The Clarity Of Eyes Clouds The Vision Of Our Mind.

To be back again and rock with y'all another time is truly a blessing. Hope each and everyone of y'all have been doing well. Been busy and I hate putting something out that lacks quality. Muses actually inspired on this. Enjoy.

 One of the hardest things to do for ourselves is to see who we really are in an honest light. The most honest stories we can tell about ourselves often come with a grain of salt. How we act sometimes, our decisions, our morals, sometimes even our mannerisms all have their faults in them. The details we show to other is what I refer to as the "ingredients" of who we truly are. I hope you can respect it when I say we are all Fucked Up! As far as people go; the hope is all people are good with good intention for others. The idea of you do good to others and good will happen to you is sometimes a misconception of the universe. The truth of humanity lies deep within our past most of the time. We do things out of anger, out of spite others, out what we've learned, happiness and sometimes actions towards us. In the end it eats away at us little by little. I've seen it slowly deteriorate some people. Just pay attention to details of the world. Certain people acting out of selfishness, sometimes out of pride, often drunk from power. The best line that relays this is J. Cole's song "3 Wishes" verse; 

''One day to my surprise, my nigga called me, told me you just caught a body twice your size I asked if it was self defense, he said it was defense of pride''

The strength of our personality lacks quality almost everyday. I hate that shit. Most of us have no strength over how we mold ourselves out of what we can become. Forgive me if I'm jumping the gun but we try to emulate the popular people that we find appealing. The way the world works, it revolves around technology and it's changed us as people. This is my plug to my other blog. Haha. These days it allows, better yet opens the doorway to distance ourselves when we're in a situation we're not interested in or want to deal with. As infinitely we are capable, we are infinitely restricted because of the way we are. I'm far from perfect and I have no doubt in my mind about that. My flaws in personality, physically, integrity, strengths and weakness, my vices. I know most of these things about myself in abundance to know when I'm wrong or done wrong. I may not know at the instance I say or do it but I'll get there. The question remains how broken as people do we become because of our lack vision. 

"Nobody sees anybody truly but all through the flaws of their own egos. That is the way we all see ...each other in life. Vanity, fear, desire, competition-- all such distortions within our own egos-- condition our vision of those in relation to us. Add to those distortions to our own egos the corresponding distortions in the egos of others, and you see how cloudy the glass must become through which we look at each other. That's how it is in all living relationships except when there is that rare case of two people who love intensely enough to burn through all those layers of opacity and see each other's naked hearts."

-Tennessee Williams

This encompasses so much power. The entire way it's worded. The value of ego that depicts that which causes our vanity, fear, desire and competition. How much we do for ourselves but are often incapable of comprehending of others because of our own distaste for them, the lack of forgiveness. Our fear of being let down, our fear of being hurt, sometimes simple fear to step out of the comfort zone we have. Desire is a devil's advocate. Desire is the boundary between what we want and what we need. Desire pushes people away most of the time for own personal gains. Knowledge is a moment away from enlightenment. Understanding these pieces help us become better people. These pieces that limit us are the same pieces that motivate us to change how things can turn out. In my years of listening to people's problems and trying to advise I've learned one important thing. We think differently in the situation from the inside out. Looking from outside in your more logical and clear minded. The times have changed in the 1950's the happiness rating was around 78% which has dropped down to almost 20%. The question still remains; Why? Can we still be clear minded in the way we live? The way we move through life. As much as I want to give you guys the answer there really is no answer that fits most people on this but yourself. The legacy you leave behind is the one of triumph and failure. The little things, people, events that made you how you are. I'll leave you with this 

This image expresses how we see others and ourselves. The distortion in it shows what we need/may need to work on. 

Just a couple thoughts for the new year. To learn and be clearer in mind for ourselves. Being better to understand ourselves better before we try to do things for others and learn about them. It always starts within yourself. Start the year right don't do no damn resolution. Make small goals and keep up with it day by day. Be reasonable. Be humble. Be Happy. 

Until Next Time I Wish You Peace, Love, Respect & Happiness

New Rules

Yo, im back. It has been a while since the last time I have released anything. But to the many people who have came to the spot and checked it out I sincerely appreciate it to the fullest. Not to worry I have been in the cut working on new things and talking to people about new ideas and works for the blog. As the work materializes. Cant wait to show yall the new stuff.

Magna Carta Holy Grail Commercial 

As you can already tell by the title of this blog post it is about the new Jay-Z album Magna Carta Holy Grail. Im sure many of you saw the commercial for the album during game five of the NBA Finals. But generally its the entirety of the topic of doing something unprecedented. If your unaware of the details, here it is. Samsung met with Jay-Z during his recording process and offered him a 20 million dollar contract to promote their product and with a tool such a massive fan base what else but provide interest in a new album to be released by app and specific phone only. Its ingenious. With production handled by heavy hitters such as Timbaland, Pharrell, Swizz Beats. Theres isnt much room for failure between the group. Before I further express anything else take a few minutes and watch these videos/ promos for the album.

Timbaland on MCHG and Kanye

Dream On MCHG

Alright so my whole thought behind this blog post is two things. My undying love for hip-hop, and what Jay-Z is doing in Music and how much he's pushing the culture among others. Bringing in headlining names from the likes of Nas, Justin Timberlake, Rick Ross, and Frank Ocean. This album has dope features. After listening to the album it is a ILL piece of work. Goosebumps. Sonically its what you expect from Jay-Z to put you in a mind space to do something GREAT. Lyrically there isn't a question about the quality of the rhymes. I cant even front to yall I don't even want to say anything else. This is an experience. A piece of history. Digitally Hov has put out an album is platinum before its release. Thats just unprecedented. We hope to see things happen and how fortunate we are to witness this in our time. 

Tracks to check out:

1. Holy Grail
2. Crown
3. Jay-Z Blue
4. BBC
5. Oceans
6. La Familia

Oceans Promo

Tom Ford Promo

Jay-Z Blue Promo

Holy Grail Promo

Heaven Promo

New Rules. My mind just loves this concept to have the music industry revere your progression. To move a culture forward is what we've been taught to do and hunger for.  To fight for what you believe you can accomplish. The mind is a wonderful tool and a horrible weapon. In a song called "Vendetta" by Elijah Blake Ft. J. Cole, there is a line that J. Cole says " sometimes our dreams come true but sometimes our fears do too". That got me thinking about how much we fail to achieve because of fears we have about our lives, our work, our art. That idea of fear holds people back in all aspects. We've all had doubts when we were unprepared to do something, nervous to start something, fearful of the consequences of reality of actions. If this notion of new rules brings nothing else its to take risks. Whatever you got you have to be confident in your work enough to take that risk. Thats honestly thats where my work on these blogs stem from just believing that I'm doing something right even if it may not be perfect. I don't expect to be. Don't expect to be perfect but demand the best from yourself. Write the new rules for yourself. Create the reality you want for yourself. Time plays its role no matter what you do but your effort and persistence decides how much of that time plays factor. You could be the person who changes the world or does something of value for this generation. We all hope to be the next Ghandi, Jay-Z, Nelson Mendela, Ali, Obama what have you but are we willig to sacrifice what we have now and strong enough to put that vision out and stand behind it theough failure or sucess? We are losing our idols and leaders. Few are rising in their place. It may be that the world is becoming a more understanding place, a better world but we all know, mind my language; How fucked up this world truly is. Honestly it's an era where we'll fight for humanity and equality, but be humane to those who don't have decency in understanding. That's beyond words to me. Political I know but nonetheless important.  Tupac once said " I not saying I'm going to change the world but I guarantee I will spark the mind that will". Thats the mindset I've arrived at, to push myself to make something that hasnt been done or thought of. We facet ourselves to demonstrate what we want to see. But we seldom present that to how we hope to see it. In an era where everything is so fast paced and diluted how do we retain quality over quantity? Is that even important these days?  Too scared to do, too scared to say, too scared to try. To change the course of history in the slightest through anything I can possibly do. Create new dynamics, new concepts, new way of thinking, new art. New Rules.

On the tangent of music just my thoughts of the projects released of late. 

Kanye- Yeezus. Kanye being the person he is he's experimenting. Its one of those things that where you have to listen to with an open mind. Come on though you knew this wasn't the average album when his promotion was projections on buildings and with a New Slaves as his lead he is outside the box. He's just keeping us on the edge of our seats with the project. From what I've read and heard there is a another part to this project. In short its not the traditional Ye album.

1. Bound 2 
2. Blood On The Leaves
3. Hold My Liquor

J. Cole- Born Sinner. J. Cole stepped his game on this album genuinely this album felt comfortable. It didnt sound like he forced any part of it trying to put together a project. It sounds smooth. It all works together to fall into place for this album. With a feature from TLC and 50 Cent he put in the time to make it all sound amazing. Personally he's doing what hes supposed to as an artist and step outside of the comfort zone and challenge himself and other artist and I feel he did just that with this album. 

1. Trrouble
2. Forbidden Fruit (Would have preferred a Kendrick verse)
3. Let Nas Down
4. Let Nas Down Remix
5. Niggaz Know 
6. Sparks Will Fly (Its about time Jhené Aiko got her shine)

Justin Timberlake- The 20/20 Experience. After his hiatus he really brought the fire on this album. He put together a cohesive project I just enjoy listening to. Classic R&B at its heart. amazing melodies and Harmonies. If you havent heard it you must have been under a rock.

1. Spaceship Coupe
2. Tunnel Vision ( He released an explicit video recently, check it out)
3. Let The Groove In
4. Mirrors

The-Dream- IV Play. The fourth installment to his Love series, he does what he does best make R&B music that you want to listen to. He brings a few features on the album you wouldnt expect such as Big Sean, Pusha T. Also he put Beyonce and 2 Chainz on an song together. Last but not least The-Dream surely did get that verse from Jay-Z for that swap meet line at the Grammys

1. Self-Conscious
2. Too Early
3. Equestrian
4. High Art

Wale -The Gifted. Wale put together another album that is pleasant for the ears. It is a cohesive project. Minus some issues with Tiara Thomas regarding who she signed with. Which is why we see a Rihanna  feature on the album. This album is totally from a different realm than that of Ambition. He created a more commercial successful album with the integrity of older Wale. Apart from the outstanding single exposure this album has got there is more to this album. 

1. Vanity
2. Simple Man
3. '88
4. Golden Salvation

All in all this year has been amazing to Hip-Hop and theres more to come. Ill be sure to come back and hit yall with something good soon as soon as I come across it. Enjoy yalls summer. Do something with it. Hit me up if you have any ideas or want to do something on the blog.

Until Next Time I Wish You Peace, Love, Respect, & Happiness. 

Protivity

I've learned to tap into my soul or at least what I consider my creative sector. There's a place that I get taken to. It's dependent on the situation and the settings of my life and my mind process. It's dark, light, love, hate, life, death, friendship, betrayal, humility, materialisticness, possibility, creation and destruction. This place taught me more about myself as a person. It's made me more in tune with my limits and how far I have to push them to get better. Just a piece of history and future finds its way into it. The complex simplicity of choice and force. It's just a place to progress and be creative. In other words "protivity". I was once told that "You can do all sorts of things to people, piss them off, hurt them, make them laugh even pleasure them but, how you made them think and change something in their life? Thats everlasting." It took me a while to truly understand that. The concept was broken down to me when I noticed how so much has changed in the course of a couple months. Ive witnessed, deaths, relationships blossoming, relationships shattering because of their environment and even distance. The process of growth is an infinite frequencies of highs and lows.That blew my mind. It resonated with myself as well as others. It became the constant in a life in which we sometimes don't always feel consistency is a given. It started to make sense. In physics Newton's third law states "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction" that set it off for me we are meant to fall through endless pits just to climb mountains. In this society we live in it is easier to fall victim to judgement. Its easier to fall victim to aesthetics versus intellect. There is a paradox in which its almost rare to find someone who can grab our attention intellectually, aesthetically, and still have a sense of humor. Im not saying its impossible to understand but the journey to find a friend/significant other who fulfills all of these or even two thirds is a test in itself. I don't like pointing blame at anyone but we have to demand more from ourselves. This generation has to revere the idea of sanctity of privacy, trust, progression. Communication is a concept that is commonly overlooked. I wrote a blog about the impact cell phones and technology has had on us. I recently saw a movie in which communication was the only crutch that the protagonist and antagonists had. Yet they were able to understand more through the silence of understanding than the voice of the other person. It is said that most of what we say isn't always verbal but more so visual appearance, and body language. I choose to push my own boundaries and censors sometimes just keep going. My biggest fear is possibly be stagnant and not making a difference. There's people who make a positive and negative difference in this world. Some personal reasons or a higher agenda. Nonetheless it's made me a better or worse person to be. There's so much I won't allow myself to conform to just because I find some of the things people doing unnecessary or repulsing at times. It's fine I'm not here to judge other on their lives. It's not my place. Consider some of it a requirement to control yourself. Our will is a gift and a curse as I see it. It helps us to do some of what we keep ourselves from achieving and pulling back from ideas, practices that won't be positive for our futures. Just a piece of a crazy mind I guess. It's dope to be able to just do something so wild just to relieve a mind in its simplest state. Thought and pure emotion. For what it's worth... I'm a very selfless person but experience teaches otherwise is life's caveat. It's taught me pain, pleasure( to limits), joy, love, hate, betrayal, stress and bliss. Let me end this by saying I hope to keep learning, keep voicing thoughts, understand more about good and bad. Everything that is human to be better or at least get better. Be Better. Just Be Dope.

I'm working on something ill for yall. Keep up with the blog. Hit me up for whatever. I'm more than willing to talk to everyone. I enjoy speaking and learning about new people. Send me an email or something.

Until Next Time I Wish You Peace, Love, Respect & Happiness.

A Wilted Flower Will Blossom In New Life

I apologize for my extended hiatus. I decided to step away from it all to find myself for a lack of a better word. It came in strides through music, art, muses, news and most importantly people. I chose to write this post today in regards to many things primary because tomorrow is the predicted "apocalypse" which is fine. Its not like anybody can change what will happen. Nonetheless I just wanted to express how I felt about the progression as well as the decline of our surroundings as well as the strides that have been made.  Im sure everybody has basic knowledge of the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut. I was flying out to see my sister and niece while this occurred. (Pictures will be posted on the next post). It baffled me how people can commit such horrendous crimes with no remorse to their own actions. The guy murdered six year old kids in cold blood. Ive read and heard that the shooter had psychiatric issues he was dealing with but you have to wonder what led him to kill his mother and these children. On top of that there is a church Westboro Baptist Church who feels that these kids funerals are unnecessary as well as that God sent the shooter. Christian or not there is no religion that promotes homicide much less the homicide of innocent children. Furthermore these imbeciles are defending their views with quotes from the Bible. This church further more protests the funerals of fallen soldiers. People who choose to give their lives to protect these same peoples freedoms of speech to say these things. Im not here to be political or stir emotions but i am here to express at how backward this world has become. I saw one of Katrina Salviejo (Twitter ) posts about how the lack of positive unity and protest. The closest thing we've had to call a protest this generation is the "Occupy Wall Street"movement. Katrina and I exchanged a few words and it allowed me to realize how much of a different community this world has become. Unity is a fractured concept that needs healing. There is so much animosity over frivolous ideals and thoughts. The government doesn't have the same goals and representation as it used to. Regardless of your political affiliation we are not well represented. Theres so much wrong already in society so even if there is an apocalypse its not like there is too much good around us. Speaking of good i thought id do the year in review in music. First and foremost Kendrick Lamar lived up to the hype and the the West Coast helmed "New Leader of West Coast" by Snoop and Dre. Kendrick stepped outside of boundaries of what a regular hip-hop album was and created an album that defined what originality really means in the hip-hop music scene. Nasty Nas made a return with magnificent word play and detail rap with "Life Is Good". Nas stepped into the light he is known for. Rick Ross came into his own the past year and released basically two albums Rich Forever which was personally a better record collectively than God Forgives, I Don't. He really put in the work to make a few nice albums. In the process Ab-Soul released an ill album "Control System" personally Soul will make you think about so much more than the regular shit easily. On another note Frank Ocean released his highly anticipated debut album channel Orange. A feature from André 3000 set it over the top to be a great body of work. Since I like putting people onto new music or just open eyes to it id like to introduce yall to Elijah blake. He is a signed artist to Def Jam and is under the mentorship of the prolific producer No I.D.

http://www.datpiff.com/Elijah-Blake-Bijoux-22-EP-mixtape.429180.html

Having worked with and writing for some of the biggest R&B acts like Usher, Trey Songz, and even penning for Bono on a Swizz Beats produced track with Yeezy I need not say more. I won't hype the album up just check it out for yourself and rock with the dude.
   The second gift I have for your is a group called "Cocaine 80s" composed of a growing roster of No I.D., James Fauntleroy, Jhene Aiko and Elijah Blake. With three mix tapes/eps out they have already created a name for themselves.

The Pursuit EP:

http://www.datpiff.com/No-ID-Presents-Cocaine-80s-The-Pursuit-Ep-mixtape.244541.html

Ghost Lady:

Ghost Lady Download

Express OG EP:

Express OG Download

UPDATE: So J. Cole just dropped this so i thought id help yall and give yall the direct link straight up. 

If the world ends tomorrow, damn. I would be mad as shit for 2 reasons. First, I’m not with my family. That would suck.
What would also be wack is if I never got to drop this song.

Summer of 08′. Mark Pitts meeting had happened a month ago. He said he fucks with me, but he not talking about signing me. Ok. Fuck that. I’ma make my new shit so stupid that the next time he meet with me he gonna HAVE to sign me. Same summer I made Grown Simba and started The Warm Up with a “fuck it” mentality. A few special songs I made that summer haven’t dropped yet. This is one of them.

2012

Some of the most fun I ever had making a record. Alone in my room, making the beat, writing the raps, Jammin to this.
Here we are, Years Later, and right on time. Enjoy

- oh yea. Shout to the spanish nigga that came through and played the percussions. To the cool ass horn player that laced me, I forgot his name. This was my first Quincy Jones moment. Shout to Lil Cole. Shout to Aristotle. Shout to YOU.

J. Cole 2012 Download Link

Well thank you for reading through this long ass blog post. Im just living, Know what im saying. In the case the world does end ( which I dont think it will) it has been a glorious growing experience with every single reader. All of y'all are amazing for the support. If nothing goes down I shall post something on christmas eve or day. Yall will see pictures of my beautiful sister and niece. Im excited to be a Godfather. Until Next Time I Wish You Peace, Love, Happiness & Respect. 

Live, Love & Enjoy this holiday season. 

Autumn Always Had A Winters Heart

It's interesting how easily we as a people are able to let go of people so easily. We've all had our share of failed friendships, relationships what have you. My segment for this post is generally the idea of distance between people. As much of a tool it is to be able to text it is often a crutch for people and sometimes a tool. I heard the other day this dude talking about how he liked this girl so he sent her a message to her Facebook inbox even though he had her number. We've become so acquainted with the idea of being able to send a message and not be so emotionally attached. The voice of reason seems to be you can say anything about yourself on Facebook, twitter and even text messages. Many people I've talked to have said they don't talk on the phone. Which irritates me. Honestly if your trying to plan something set it up over a phone call or in person. The time this generation grew up in revolves around social networks and technology. Being able to talk to somebody in person or over the phone allows for a harmonic melody of voices that you haven't heard ever or in a while. These artificial conversations lack emotion and the magnitude of what your trying to say. Like Will Smith said in "Hitch"... No woman wakes up thinking I hope I don't get swept off my feet. It's besides the point but you lose the ability to sell yourself as a person to a potential friendship, relationship or even a business venture. My point is to step outside the box of commonality and mediocrity and call somebody on the phone and amaze them with your conversation skills. Enjoy the company of each other. Even if its once a week or once in a while pick up that phone and call them. Set up a get together. Pull people in so deep they want to talk to you again because they enjoyed your conversation.

Shine Like The Universe Needs It!

Until Next Time I Wish You Peace, Love, Respect, and Happiness.

Change Isn't Always Easy, But Its Possible

I try not to get into peoples political views, values and ideas. This is far from it. I feel everybody needs to see and grow as a person through this. Forget your political standing and who you think should win the presidential race. This what it means to be an American! Education is often categorized as a pain. How often do you get to hear story about somebody who came from nothing and achieved one of the most reputed positions in the world. After hearing this Barrack is for the people and isnt that what the government was created on? A government for the people governed by the people? 

'We've got so much more to do..." 

Or If You Want To Watch This On Youtube 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVGAI8o5i4o&feature=player_embedded 

I hope we all as the people come away with something from this video. Theres only so much that a generation can do without knowing. Get out there and vote for who you thinks should win based on their beliefs, standpoints, ideals. Not based on their income, or the color of a mans skin. Vote!!! If you live in Texas here you go.

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml

Until Next Time I Wish You Peace, Love, Respect & Happiness 

Forbidden Fruits and Hidden Truths

Uhm this will be quite in-depth, somewhat vulgar and possibly make you question everything you think you know.

Im going back to what made me start my blogs life issues and experiences. So let me break down my key points! The first one being loyalty, the second one being the relationship premise and lastly can you input this ideology into your own life?

 

Alright I've seen the questionability of loyalty among many people recently. I won't name drop anyone but most of us have asked ourselves the question. "is so and so a true friend?" "Does my boyfriend/girlfriend have my best interests or are they just in it for themselves?" And most importantly "who can I trust?". As the cliche goes it's hard to find good friends! As true as that may be you gotta ask yourself how well you know them before you entrust somebody with your inner most deepest secrets. Don't front like none of y'all don't have any!! Friendships are a delicate balance of discretion, ignorance, and love. Your true friends are willing to protect your credibility as their own. Your true friends will put your best interests in mind when they make a decision. It's redundant to say, but the biggest key to a great friendship is the time to grow together and understand each others faults and strengths and work around them or help them improve. With that being said I'd like to transition into relationships. Bear with me this blog is one of the longest i've written. We all want a great relationship where the people both love each other and genuinely enjoy the company. I guess the term that best defines my next explanation is old-school or chivalrous. I feel the relationships this generation is creating are built upon lust and satisfaction instead of the basics of a good relationship. I guess the acceptance of being a for a lack of better term "hoe" that's perpetuated by social media and music only strengthens my doubts. I strongly believe the best relationships are built on a foundation of trust. With a divorce rate well above fifty percent in the United States you can't give anybody the benefit of the doubt! Secondly the importance of good communication. In any relationship the breaking point is the communication. Whether its planning or a simple disagreement on dinner, learn to compromise!! That's the biggest asset in any relationship, friendship or business!! Compromise so both can still be happy with the outcome and if one person is over controlling then maybe it's time to get out of the relationship. The third key is the spark!! That may sound stupid, but if you don't fell a certain special way and by that I mean an emotional attachment and NOT a physical infatuation then there are holes in your relationship. I understand that no relationship is perfect, but if your in it for the wrong reasons then why complain when it ends up bad because of those reasons? Why else do you think Jerry Springer and Maury still have such popular shows? The lack of evolution impacts how much your actions and maturity affects your life is important to understand. SEX!! Yea I brought it up! Now for most relationships it's a focal point and a necessity. I get it you wanna get your freak on! Word to Missy Elliot! Ha!! Generally for most people sex has or is slowly losing its sanctity. It's more of a casual activity than the intended basis of deep intense passion and an act of Love! That's where the latter generation had it right. That old school soul that went on about makin love now it's just "fuckin'"! How many can say its not? I get it, pleasure is good! I see very few relationships that stand the test of years much less know the true meaning of the word. Love is deep and more than what most people can define. To be honest the definition is each to their own but the quality is definitely lacking. I completely doubt that all the people that are quick to say "I love you" actually can mean it. That's a topic for another time I guess. Like I said I'm old fashioned! I feel its time to wrap it up huh? I've said it over and over again but the most important part of being in an relationship, friendship is your own happiness. You can't pick your family but you can pick the people who you choose to spend time with so why would you want to spend time with somebody who makes your life miserable. To those of you who are reading this and are in relationships ask yourself if you have all of these qualities in your relationship are you at a point to say the words "I love you"? Can you trust this person with your life if you needed to? Can you communicate well with each other? Do y'all argue or compromise? Are you happy with this persons and their life decisions? I'm not saying don't work out your problems every good relationship has their little issues.  Now to flip the script for all the single people!! Everything has purpose and everything has time. Your on your own path. Each of better opportunity. Don't rush anything and in the moment that person walks into your life don't be hesitant to grab hold of them and keep them with you. Be prepared, be happy with yourself so you can share it with others. And if you choose not whatever yo!! Finding loyal people who stay true to you takes time, friendships, relationships, and anything else that involves trust takes time. Enjoy life while you have it. It's a blessing don't curse yourself! I guess thats the end of my rant!

Until Next Time I Wish You Peace, Love, Respect and Happiness