Fashion Flashback: Tribal Shoot For D Mode Magazine

I stumbled upon these stunning photographs by Herring &Herring for D Mode magazine three years ago, that features models Mey Bun and Rila Fukushima and styling by Laurean Ossorio. I was blown away by stunning make-up and the creativity behind the shoot. Herring & Herring is a collaboration between Dimitri Scheblanov and Jesper Carlsen, focusing on fashion photography and art direction. Check out more pictures below.

 

 

 

The Formula For Creating A Hit Song...

By Tim "The ChirpinByrd"

In my lifelong venture with music, I’ve searched over and over again to figure out what constitutes making a hit song.  I always knew what music I liked.  I always knew how a certain song made me feel.  I even knew how a song could take me back to what I was doing, feeling or where I was, when I first heard a particular song.  But the anatomy of a hit song baffled me.  How could a few words that rhymed (or not), mixed with musical instruments, create a feeling of euphoria, sadness, anger, rebellion, etc…?  Like I said, it baffled me.  I’ve always said, “If teachers could teach subjects using music, we would never have problems with essays, exams or even showing up for class”.  So what is the formula for creating a hit song?  Good question.

There are theories and speculations on how to create a hit song, however; there isn’t a set, iron clad, constitutional, 10 commandments formula for creating a hit song.  You’re probably saying, “But Tim, ummm, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Motown, Led Zeppelin and all the other greats must’ve had a formula because I still hear their music ‘til this day”.  And I completely agree with you.  We continue to hear their music ‘til this day, however; I’m sure they didn’t sit in their bedrooms saying, “Man, this formula for creating a hit song is going to keep my music around for generations…even after I’m gone”.  I’m pretty sure they “wanted” it to happen, but it really doesn’t work that way.

When I was young and on my quest to find the winning formula for creating a hit song, I seemed to always hit a brick wall.  I mean a HUGE wall.  It frustrated me.  I mean some songs were created this way and others the other way.  In today’s world of the internet, you can Google “The Formula for Creating a Hit Song” and you’ll probably find millions of links on this one subject alone.  You want to know why?  It’s because everyone has their own version or theory on how a hit song is created.  But if you purchase a book in a bookstore or read music content online, you’ll notice that producers, songwriters, singer-songwriters, whoever it may be, provide general or technological answers.  That doesn’t help me.  And it probably doesn’t help you.  My apologies to the book publishers and the online authors who publish books or provide content information on the subject “How to Create a Hit Song”.  So, what is the formula for creating a hit song?

The answer?  THERE IS NO FORMULA FOR CREATING A HIT SONG!!!  You’re probably thinking, “I wasted my time reading this article.”  No you didn’t.  There is no formula for creating a hit song.  There’s a structure for creating a song itself.  But there is no formula.  And when I say structure, I mean…intro, verse, hook followed by another verse, hook…so on and so forth.  A “hook”, for those of you who didn’t know, is sometimes referred to as the “chorus”.  The “hook” or “chorus” is a part of the song that music listeners remember the most like Annie Lennox’s “These Dreams (Are Made of This)” or Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean is not my lover”.  You may want to YouTube it if these songs were before your time.  To further elaborate on structure, it’s equivalent to one’s daily life….“I wake up” (intro), “I’m going to take a shower, brush my teeth and then get dressed” (verse), “I’m in my car going to a job that I despise” (hook [chorus]), “on my way to work I got a flat tire so I’m late for work…I might lose my job” (another verse), “I’m standing by my car on the interstate/highway hoping I can get to a job that I despise” (another hook [chorus]….so on and so forth.  See where I’m going with this?  The structure is easy because it’s in the form of an outline.  But a formula for creating a hit song is a another beast.

I came across an interview with Music Producer, Film Composer and Television Producer Quincy Jones.  For those of you who are not familiar with him, he has worked with the likes of Dizzie Gillespie in the 1950’s, Frank Sinatra and Leslie Gore (It’s My Party and I’ll Cry If I Want To) in the 1960’s, composed the theme song for “Sanford and Son” and produced Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall” in the 1970’s, produced the biggest selling album in the history of music, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and produced the TV show, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” featuring the now mega-superstar Will Smith.  In an industry of uncertainty, why wouldn’t I pay close attention to what this long-standing veteran has to say?  I mean, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” alone makes me wonder.  If there is no formula, then why does “Thriller” remain to be the biggest selling album in music history?  I’ll tell you.

Quincy Jones says, “You have to do something that gives you goose bumps”.  It has to make you say, “Yea man, that really turns me on.”  Note, he is not referring to a sexual feeling everyone.  He follows with, “…If [you and others around you] get turned on a lot [by your own music], you’ve got a chance of somebody else getting turned on”.  To sum it up, if you feel it deep in your soul that you’ve created a great piece of music and others around you feel those goose bumps, 9 times out of 10, other people will feel the same way.  Quincy also states that you can’t plan a hit record.

So where is the formula for creating a hit song?  It lies in you.  “Thriller” sold as many as it did because people felt the same goose bumps that Quincy and Michael felt.  Gut instinct.  My advice….Listen to your own songs the same way you listen to songs that grabbed you when you heard them.  Not every song you create is going to be a hit.  But you will find your audience, if what you create, is your honest point of view.  Good luck.

(via)

Album Sleeper: Missy Elliott - "The Cookbook"

In 2005 saw Missy Elliott releasing her sixth album titled "The Cookbook", which peaked at number 2 on the on the Billboard 200, with singles: "Lose control ","Teary Eyed" and "We Run This". 

This album one of the best albums of 2005, it was very energetic with lyrical wit. The album feature a range of sounds and influences from old school rap, smooth R&B mid-tempos, futuristic hip-hop bangers and a touch of Caribbean influences. 

"Lose Control" was a great lead single that was both commercial  and hip-hop, great balance that allowed her showcase her creativity. It was all over the radio stations and the Dave Meyers directed music video for the single was on repeat on TRL and 106 & Park and it won her countless awards, including fifth Grammy-award. 

"The Cookook" was perfection from start to finish, I loved the funny intro, then goes right into "Joy" which had a very funky production to it. "My Struggles" saw Elliott opening up about her struggles growing up:  "When I was young my pops, throw rocks. Always shit talk to my moms and call the cops, couldn't wait 'til I was nice and grown. Sick of daddy mouth 'til six in the morn`. On and on and on 'til the record scratch and if I made a few scraps I would never come back. Take moms with me and a few ADAT's and make a song about dad and tell pops he's a rat." 

"Meltdown" was my jam, a smooth sexy mid-tempo track with sassy vocal delivery.  "4 My Man" got played in my house daily, "On And On" should`ve been a single, because it featured all the elements of what a single should be and it would`ve been a huge hit. "We Run This" was another great single choice, featuring a funky sample of The Sugarhill Gang version of The Shadows' song "Apache", Missy`s personality and flow fitted the track perfectly.

 "Teary Eyed" is so underrated, that track allowed  Missy to express a side to her that was so raw and relatable, a song about being in a relationship and the love of your life, brings out the worse in you because you`re working so hard to make this relationship work but he is doing his own thing on the side:" And I compromised all my time and rearranged my life to make sure you was fine cuz our love was on the line. And I became so unkind cuz you brought the worst out of me. This is (this is) how the story goes those ones who know when its out of control, you work (work) and you work (work) and someone gets hurt and I guess that be me."

Missy slayed on this album, it was so different and sometimes, when something is too different, people will ignore it but people who truly appreciate real music support it, no wonder the album went platinum becoming  her sixth platinum album.

My favorite tracks: "Lose Control" ,"On & On", "We Run This", "Teary Eyed","Joy","Meltdown","4 My Man","Bad Man" and "My Struggles".

Rated:A+

Album Sleeper: Solange - "Sol-Angel And The Hadley St. Dreams"

Written By Reggie

Solange returned to the music scene in 2008 with her second album titled "Sol-Angel And The Hadley St. Dreams", which peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200 with singles :"I Decided", "Sandcastle Disco","T.O.N.Y".  I consider this album her debut album because the real Solange had arrived, owning her own sound and her voice with so much confidence. This album allowed her to showcase her amazing songwriting skills, her beautiful vocal range and stunning retro-old school production. The album was liberating, alluring and free flowing.

My favorite tracks are: "T.O.N.Y","Would’ve Been The One","Dancing in The Dark","Cosmic Journey","I Told You So".

Rated:B-

Album Sleeper: Kelly Rowland - "Simply Deep"

By Reggie

In 2002 Kelly Rowland released her solo debut album titled "Simply Deep" which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200, with singles: "Dilemma", "Stole", "Can’t Nobody", "Train On A Track."

This was an album that was so slept on, it had some hits and it was pretty solid from start to finish. It showcased Kelly’s voice nicely such as on "Haven’t Told You" and "Beyond Imagination". Solange Knowles displayed her beautiful song writing skills and talents on the title track.  The direction of this album was so free flowing and featured a mixture of R&B,pop music, working to Kelly’s advantage. She showcases her range, her playful side, her bitter and her sweet. I think BAD promotion and marketing followed this album, which made it badly overlooked. I didn’t even know the album was out until the end of 2002.

This album hits home for me as I was going through some personal problems at the time. “Everytime You Walk Out That Door” and “Love/Hate” were on repeat at all times. I found a sensual side of music with this album and songs like “Obsession” and “Heaven” are the type of songs I would love to cover. Her style on this album was unique because she wasn’t doing what Beyonce was doing and she wasn’t doing what Kelly was doing. I miss this type of Kelly.

My favorite tracks: "Haven’t Told You", "Simply Deep", "Love Lives In", "Obsession", "Heaven", "Train On A Track", "Beyond Imagination", "Everytime You Walk Out That Door" and "Make You Wanna Stay".

Rated:B

Music Gem: Stacy Barthe - "Say It To My Face"

In 2009 singer-songwriter Stacy Barthe released her mixtape titled "The Tape", one of the my favorite tracks off the mixtape is the fiery track called "Say It To My Face", produced by Hit Boy (of SurfClub). The club banger sees her being confronted by a girl who is pissed off that her boyfriend is falling for Barthe`s killer curves "Yes I keep it funky, your man is on my arm like MJ`s monkey", the ladies are about to get into it:  "Is there a problem? , I am what ?, that`s your boo? well do something". 

The track features a very unique production that features so many amazing elements that are so refreshing, her verses are strong with a very addictive hook.

Rating: 3.5/5

  

Unreleased Track: Teyana Taylor – "Simon Sez"

Two years I came cross an unreleased track from "Google Me" songstress Teyana Taylor titled "Simon Sez", which was taken from one of her studio sessions with producer Jazze Pha. She recorded the song back in 2008 for her forthcoming untitled debut album. "Simon Sez" is a upbeat track featuring a hard hip-hop production, with a catchy hook which sadly overpowers her verses. Leaving a very empty feeling, she needed to go alot harder and own it. 

Rating 2.5/5

At the time she recorded this song she clearly hasn`t find her own voice yet and be more confident with her music. Glad to see that has changed over the years and she is becoming the artist she was meant to be, no longer limiting herself, just owning her craft.

Thank You`s

I am most grateful for this life,so I give thanks, infinitely.
Ida: To my grandmother, she was an infinite being of love and generosity. I am who I am because of her. I am eternally grateful for everything she has done for me, she was truly a magnificent being. Thank you for your love and guidance. R.I.P

Renae: To my big sister, who quietly and consistently supports with so much love and compassion. I'm so lucky to have you as my big sister. Your honesty, integrity, wisdom and open heartedness have been a true inspiration throughout my life. I honor you and I thank you.

Vaughn : To my twin brother, you are an incredible being of love and compassion. You've always shown me the possibility of greater compassion. Your heart is bigger than anyone I've ever known. You are an inspiration and powerful being of love. Thank you.

Della: To my big brother,not only has your wisdom had a huge impact on my heart, but your soul/your very essence has been a profound blessing. I wish I could convey the depth that you have touched my heart and soul and the depth of gratitude I have for you. Infinite thank you's wouldn't even come close. With every ounce of being, I am grateful.

Deonte: To my big brother, you are the greatest big brother one could know. You have a great sense of humor, you're very generous, and kind-hearted. I surrender my heart to the Love you so gently offer timelessly, constantly, endlessly, and infinitely. Your love infuses everything you do. Thank you.

Fabio: My little brother, I'm so grateful for your big heart. You never once hesitate to help anyone in need. You truly have a kind heart and I'm so grateful for all of the times that you have supported and helped me. Thank you also for your sense of humor. You are truly an incredible kid.

Nectro: My beautiful cunt. I am eternally grateful for your constant and unwavering love. You are always there for me, lifting me up with your wisdom and put the biggest smile on my face, our bond is strong and beautiful. Thank you.

DaVida: My beautiful twin sister, what a miracle to have you in my life, you are truly an amazing being. So talented, inspiring and powerful .There are just no words to describe how much I love you. Thank you.

Nicole: Your courage, your heart and your friendship have been a true inspiration. You are a dear friend. Thank you.

Nessa: There are no words to describe my love and gratitude to you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for your sweet, loving heart. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Diyar: Without Britney Spears we would be nothing, we become friends through her but our friendship is so deep, strong and inspiring. We can be human with each other, no judgement just pure love. Thank you for everything that you have blessed me since you came into my life.

Mike: We have known each other for almost 5 years and our friendship has been so strong and beautiful, you`re such an inspiring person with a beautiful heart. Very grounded, cultured and driven. I have nothing but love for you and wish you nothing but success.

Micheal: My beautiful South African brother, we get along like a house on fire even we do disagree sometimes.We encourage each other and build each other up. I will always love and respect you.

My love to everyone who has graced my life with their words, kindness, compassion, or with just their presence. I am grateful for all of you whom I've had the pleasure to get to know.

Biggest Fear....

By Natalie Floacist Stewart 

My biggest fear has been fear itself. Sounds corny I know, but true nonetheless. I feared not being liked, by those that I wanted to like me. I feared being misunderstood, by the people that I wanted to understand me. I feared not being loved, by the people that I wanted to love me. And I feared failure, as I felt that failure was an outcome made possible by one of the above three fears being made manifest. I didn't get over these fears through avoidance. I got over (am getting over) these fears by experiencing them. By having the real time insperience of them. At first I attempted to deny them.  Then to fight them, then to try and fix them. And then finally, when I was too tired and tangled and alone to do anything other than align my energy...that was when I finally began to accept.

I accepted the reality that I do not need to be liked, understood or loved, externally.  That's not denying that the unification of twin souls is an experience to be enjoyed when it is harmonious, and to be learnt from when it is imbalanced. This is simply a realization that acceptance is better than cure.

Embracing reality, rather than becoming addicted to illusions. Wanting the truth, rather than depending on lies, half truths and twisted logic. When I began to accept life for what it is, rather than attempting to control and tame the wild nature of evolution and expression, I entered my Shrine seat. Once my Shrine seat was located, I was then able to be seated for the first time since the divine innocence of my childhood.

And yes, everyday distractions are dangled close enough to draw one’s attention and far away enough to lead self off track. I accept that. And I also accept that it is possible to drop the dependency on excuses and externalized reasons for remaining imbalanced. It makes it easier to focus. More fluidity. More clarity. More self-awareness.

Music Legend: Tina Turner

No one wanted Tina Turner in 1982...at least the heads of record labels. Six years after leaving Ike Turner with only 36 cents and the bloodied clothes on her back, Turner had established a successful solo career everywhere but on vinyl. A record deal seemed impossible for a woman in her early 40s who hadn't charted a hit in ten years, despite gravity-defying performances that put artists half her age to shame. At the time, Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones invited her along for guest spots on their tours and Turner regularly sold out shows in London and New York City. The reviews were rave and she tore through "Proud Mary" and "Honky Tonk Woman" with more vigor than three Ikettes combined. Though record executives routinely dismissed her as a "has been," the foresight of John Carter at Capitol Records, the genius of manager Roger Davies, and the resilience of Turner herself, created what is arguably the most dramatic comeback in the history of popular music. Two decades later, Tina Turner is an icon whose influence extends well beyond hit songs and sports arenas around the world.

There was only a distant hope of a better life for young Anna Mae Bullock as she worked the cotton fields in Nutbush, Tennessee. Singing with local musician Bootsy Whitelaw and watching the glamorous images in Hollywood movies were an escape for the girl whose face would fill the silver screen in two scenery-chewing roles many years later. After moving to St. Louis in the 1950s to live with her mother and sister, Anna Mae met Ike Turner. His Kings of Rhythm band held court in the city's vibrant music scene and was the band to see. Upon hearing Anna Mae sing B.B. King's "You Know I Love You," Turner convinced the aspiring singer to join his band and, a couple of years later, get married: the Ike & Tina Turner Revue was born.

The story of Tina's personal and professional life with Ike Turner really merits its own editorial space. The duo religiously churned out albums from 1960-1975 on nearly a dozen different labels while touring relentlessly and earning a spate of hits on the R&B and pop charts. "A Fool in Love," "Poor Fool," and "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" represent the best of their early hits on the Sue label followed by a pair of "live" albums on Kent and Warner Bros. Studio impresario Phil Spector sought Tina's dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess for the historic recording of "River Deep-Mountain High" in 1966. Though U.S. radio stations didn't warm to the tune, British audiences devoured it and brought the song to #3 on the U.K. singles charts.

By the early 70s, the Revue's popularity peaked with a Grammy-winning rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary." Their smoldering renditions of "I Want to Take You Higher," "Come Together," and "I've Been Loving You Too Long" further solidified the band's rousing blend of rock and soul. Workin' Together (1971) and What You See Is What You Get: Live at Carnegie Hall (1971) caught Ike and Tina at the top of their game in the studio and onstage, respectively, while their appearance in Ghana for the Soul to Soul concert (1971) captured the Revue's mega-watt energy on film. Tina's autobiographical "Nutbush City Limits" marked the last Top 40 hit Ike and Tina Turner charted before Tina walked out on Ike after enduring years of his physical abuse. (TimeLife released the most thorough compilation of Ike & Tina Turner's work to date on its 2007 box set, The Ike & Tina Turner Story 1960-1975.) 

Tina's solo career ostensibly began while she was still married to Ike. Of all things, a country album, Tina Turns the Country On (1974), marked the first of four records she recorded for United Artists. Acid Queen (1975) followed in the wake of Turner's scene-stealing role in the film version of The Who's Tommy but paled in comparison to the harder-edged rock of her screen performance. Following her divorce from Ike, Tina made the rounds of TV variety shows and established an extravagant Las Vegas act. Rough (1978) and Love Explosion (1979) were well-intentioned efforts to match Turner with the pop and disco sounds of the day but ultimately indicated that live performances were a better vehicle to sustain steady work as a solo act. 

At the dawn of the 1980s, Tina's fortune began to turn with a change of management. Australian Roger Davies, who'd managed Olivia Newton-John, helped reinvent Turner's image as the rock singer she always longed to be. Hiring new musicians and dancers proved to be a smart move and reintroduced Turner to younger, more hip audiences. Though Richard Perry produced a couple of tracks for Tina on the forgettable Summer Lovers soundtrack (1982), it was The British Electronic Foundation's Music of Quality and Distinction (1982) album that caught the attention of tastemakers when Turner wrapped her raspy chords around a chilly version of The Temptations' "Ball of Confusion." The project's producers - Martyn Ware and Glenn Gregory - were enlisted for a follow-up single in 1983; Turner's guttural rendition of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" was a bonafide hit in the clubs and her new label home, Capitol Records, demanded an entire album to build on the momentum of Turner's burgeoning profile.

No artist was more celebrated than Tina Turner upon the release of Private Dancer in 1984. The album sustained the attention of radio and the record-buying public for more than 24 months, with singles like "Better Be Good to Me" (Pop #5), "Private Dancer" (Pop #7), "Let's Stay Together" (R&B #3) and the chart-topping "What's Love Got to Do With It" dominating the airwaves and MTV. Private Dancer showcased the full range of Tina's vocal talents and her industry peers (finally) took notice. When Diana Ross handed Tina Turner the "Record of the Year" Grammy for "What's Love Got to Do With It" at the 1985 ceremony, it symbolized the achievement of an artist who persevered despite numerous obstacles and dismissive misanthropes.

Coupling a sold-out concert tour, Tina Turner scored another hit with "We Don't Need Another Hero," the theme to Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) in which she starred at Aunty Entity opposite Mel Gibson. The role earned her an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture. Her steamy appearance with Mick Jagger at Live Aid and participation in U.S.A. for Africa's "We Are the World" kept Turner's smiling visage in public view for all of 1985.

As the 80s continued, Tina Turner released three more albums of voltaic pop-rock: Break Every Rule (1986), Tina Live in Europe (1988) and Foreign Affair (1989). Though still a concert draw in the U.S., wracking up hit singles like "Typical Male" (Pop #2) and "The Best" (Pop #15) along with gold and platinum albums, her commercial base flourished more in Europe with audiences that hadn't ever abandoned Turner during the lean years of her career. South American fans also expressed their appreciation when Turner performed in front of 184,000 people at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro: a world record.

The 1990s proved no less fruitful, though Turner took more of a well-deserved break between recording projects. Simply the Best (1991) offered a concise overview of her 80s career while the soundtrack to the film What's Love Got to Do With It (1993) featured the Top 10 single, "I Don't Wanna Fight." Starring Angela Bassett as Tina and Laurence Fishburne as Ike in Oscar-nominated turns, the film was based on Turner's candid autobiography I, Tina (1986), which revealed the extent of Ike Turner's physical abuse during their marriage. Though Turner was a consultant for the film and coached Bassett on some of her trademark gestures, she expressed little interest in seeing the film having "lived it". (Capitalizing on the renewed interest in Turner's life story, Capitol Records released a career-spanning 3-CD box set in 1994, unimaginatively titled Collected Recordings: Sixties to Nineties.)

Her dramatic theme to the James Bond film Goldeneye (1995) set the stage for the Wildest Dreams (1996) album, which included covers of John Waite's "Missing You" and "Unfinished Sympathy" by Massive Attack, as well as songs by Sheryl Crow, the Pet Shop Boys, and Brenda Russell, and vocal contributions from Sting and Barry White. Despite Turner's strongest album in years, the album failed to crack the Top 40 on the Billboard 200. More successful was Twenty Four Seven (1999) and the corresponding tour, billed as Turner's "last." At 60 years old, she'd been performing virtually non-stop for 40 years, outliving the lifespan of countless pop confections. More than any other performer, Tina Turner had earned the right to hang up her spiked heals and mini-skirts. Though Turner hasn't recorded a full-length of album of new material since Twenty Four Seven, she's been far from inactive, lending her distinctive voice to the music for The Lion King (1999), Aida (1999), Brother Bear (2003) and projects by Santana (Ultimate Santana, 2007) and Herbie Hancock (River: The Joni Letters, 2007).

As the new millennium's progressed, Tina Turner's role as an icon has kept her at the forefront of popular culture. All the Best (2004) offered yet another overview of Tina Turner's solo career with the obligatory three new songs plus previously released duets with Bryan Adams and Eros Ramazotti. The set debuted at #2 and gave Turner her highest charting album to date. The following year, she was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors and was named one of 25 "Legendary Women" by good friend Oprah Winfrey.Later that same year, Turner was named "Woman of the Year" in the U.K. for her enduring contributions to music. Fellow musician Joan Armatrading presented Turner with the award.

In October 2008, Turner embarked on her first tour in eight years while Captiol issued yet another career-spanning compilation entitled TINA! The set featured two new tracks, "I'm Ready" and "It Would Be a Crime," and debuted at #61 on the Billboard 200.

In an age where stars are created by "voting" and the talent of artists is dizzyingly cross-marketed, Tina Turner remains a rare individual. No amount of record sales or critical acclaim can accurately reflect the gift that Turner has brought to listeners over the past five decades. She inspires and astounds with a remarkable voice and infectious energy. She is the embodiment of soul. She is, simply, the essence of music's transcendent power.

(via)

Bigger Than Mine.....

By Black Ice

See, I ain't no player hater but I will hate a player if you push me. See ni**a, while you stand there using all your heart trying to look the part, with your cold steel eyes. Ni**a you don't realize you just pussy for sale, now see I would call you female but, you too frail.  While she's held queen, I mean your existence is fractionally vaginal. Like the slits of the whores you use to suit your feeble needs. You know, saturated soil and faulty fertilizer, ensure your future seeds to be just like you pussy for sale on corner auction blocks lost flocks of brethren. Now invested in by this America with stocks of cocaine, temporary monetary gain in exchange for eternal pain. While the stain of your false reality remains an ever imprinted actuality on your kids and in your kids. As they too have to suffer with you through the bids. Just..kids trying not to let those lonely echoes bother, knowing that father does not answer when they holler due to his undying infatuation with the dollar. Has been street scholar, now sees his toddlers through glass and as the years pass they grow fast and begin to understand "Damn.. dad didn't have to go away from us cause he didn't love us, it's just that he wasn't no real fucking man."

I be like.. "Oh Damn that's that cat that changed his name from David to Ayatollah", high roller, motorola soldier. Tech nine under his polo ass ni**a, don't know his future from his past ni**a but that fast trigger got this die cast. Forty ounce swigger thinking his shit is bigger.. than mine. It's not surprising to find that your state of mind got you parking that 63 thousand dollar Lex you flex right outside your mother's hard earned 22,000 dollar duplex. You know, the one right next to the projects, where pseudo elated coke gang created

crime related manhood got you assed out ni**a, getting high till you pass out ni**a, quick way up, fast way out ni**a.

How you figure your shit is bigger.. than mine, these fucked up times and hard core rhymes got you throwing up gang signs and claiming coasts or shades of colour with shameless boasts of emotionless lovers. That gaze upon ice that clutter the pendant of that religion you do not follow your faith has evaporated and made your soul hollow. Childhood dreams turn pharmaceutical schemes got you fucking with triple beams, cap peeling, robbing, and stealing for a piece of this American pie ass ni**a. Ready to die ass ni**a, fly ass ni**a, sit you in a cell you'd probably cry ass ni**a.

How the fuck you figure your shit is bigger.. than mine, I see you, diamond blinking, cuban linking and full length minking, all strung out on disillusional thinking and as the government subsidizes. These laboratory high rises with new chemical surprises. You continue to hide your true self behind Gangsta movie disguises, oblivious to what life's true prize is. Equating your stupidity with the length you think your dick size is, the truth in your eyes is falsified, fabricated while you sit and wait. For your fate to be debated by judges and juries who've held over four hundred and fifty years worth of grudges. Ni**a get back, sit back and rediscover how to be an honest father, loyal lover, righteous brother and not just another motherfucking ni**a.

10 Lessons From 10 Quotes That Changed My Life

Today I want to share ten life lessons with you. I learned them when I was young by reading and re-reading some of my favorite books and quotes. And over the years I have validated each of them gradually with firsthand experience. Together these lessons have positively changed my way of thinking and my life. I hope they do the same for you.

1. Your thoughts create your reality.

You feel the way you feel right now because of the thoughts you are thinking, and you are where you are right now because of the thoughts you have thought over and over again. If the thoughts running though your mind are pure, positive and empowering, you will create positive and empowering beliefs about yourself and about life; and your actions, habits, and daily routines will be a reflection of these thoughts and beliefs.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” — Lao Tzu

2. You will regret the chances you didn’t take.

The things you didn’t do when you had the chance. That priceless relationship you neglected. Those important words you left unspoken… Every one of us has experienced feelings of regret. But it’s not too late to set things straight. You’re still here breathing. Right now you have an opportunity to change your future. Right now you can choose to erase regret from your later years.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

3. Change is the only constant thing in life.

What does this mean? It means that no matter how hard you try to avoid change, doing so is simply impossible. Period.

“Without accepting the fact that everything changes, we cannot find perfect composure. But unfortunately, although it is true, it is difficult for us to accept it. Because we cannot accept the truth of transience, we suffer.” — Shunryu Suzuki

4. What you resist persists.

The more you fight against life’s circumstances, events, people, ideas, etc., the more you will be contributing to their growth and persistence into your daily life. Learn to shift your focus from that which you are against to that which you are for, and to that which you wish to attract into your daily life. Over time you will watch your life transform.

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.” — Lao Tzu

5. You judge others for the deficiencies you haven’t yet accepted in yourself.

The traits you dislike in others are mostly just a reflection of the traits you dislike in yourself. This concept can be difficult to grasp, and you might even be irritated by me mentioning it – especially when you are ‘certain’ that you are right and the other person is wrong, and that you are surely better off than they are.

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to a better understanding of ourselves.” — Carl Gustav Jung

6. You have far less control over the behavior of others than you think.

Isn’t it funny how the closer you are to a person the higher your expectations are, and the more rights you think you have to control their time and behavior? Don’t let your bad judgment get the best of you; the only thing you can control is your attitude towards them and their behavior. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Never underestimate your power to change yourself; never overestimate your power to change others.” — Wayne Dyer

7. You are what’s on the inside.

When you are happy and satisfied with yourself personally, you act in kind, happy and loving ways toward the people around you. Because you are comfortable inside, no matter how negative people might act toward you at times, you stay calm and collected, responding out of love and confidence to their behavior – for that is who you are on the inside, and you give out that which is within.

“When you squeeze an orange, orange juice comes out – because that’s what’s inside. When you are squeezed, what comes out is what is inside.” — Wayne Dyer

8. You can’t force love in relationships.

Love between two people comes because both people want to share their love, not because YOU want it from the other person. Your family, friends, co-workers, lovers – they all love you because they choose to, not because you want them to. Love is meant to be felt, enjoyed and lived, not to be forced on anyone.

“You can’t force love, I realized. It’s there or it isn’t. If it’s not there, you’ve got to be able to admit it. If it is there, you’ve got to do whatever it takes to protect the ones you love.” — Richelle Mead

9. Sometimes the only healthy option is to move on.

When the time comes to move beyond certain things, ideas, or people, don’t resist it. Allow yourself to experience life. Allow yourself to grow, learn, and evolve. Allow yourself to move beyond the past on your path to happiness.

“There comes a time in your life when you have to let go of all the pointless drama and the people who create it and surround yourself with people who make you laugh so hard that you forget the bad and focus solely on the good. After all life is too short to be anything but happy.” — Unknown

10. Life as you know it doesn’t last forever.

Nothing lasts forever, and this is exactly why you need to learn to detach from things, places and people in your life. When the time comes to say goodbye, let them all go and to do it with dignity and grace.

“Nothing lasts forever; so live it up, drink it down, avoid the negativity, take chances and never regret because at one point it was what you wanted.” — Unknown

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New Music: Brandy - "How High"

Grammy-award winning songstress Brandy has released a new track titled "How High" as gift to her fans, who have been supporting her music over the years. "How High" was written by the singer herself and produced by Get Familiar, sad it didn`t make the album cut to her new album "Two Eleven", because it would`ve been a great addition to it , like most of her unreleased material would`ve been.

"How High" is a solid mid-tempo track, that sees her showcasing her amazing vocal range and her great rap skills, tracks like this allow her to showcase her growth as artist and sees her taking big risks and seeing them paying off in such a creative way.
Rating: 4/5

New Video: Ester Dean - "Baby Making Love"

Ester Dean has premiered her music video for her track "Baby Making Love", that she released back in May. When I first heard the track was not feeling it at all but it has grown on me as well her vocals which have a distinctive, scratchy but unique quality. The music video for "Baby Making Love" features 90`s throwback vibe just like track. It sees her and her girlfriends have a slumber party, flipping through old R&B records, playing video games and doing a little phone flirting.

New Music: DJ Ideal and Hometeam Release Their Mixtape "Andre Benjamin Is....(The Best Of Andre 3000 From Outkast)"

DJ Ideal and Hometeam Music have released a mixtape titled "Andre Benjamin Is", which features 42 classics and rare material from the legendary Andre 3000. The mixtape is a great piece of work that totally showcase Andre`s creativity and raw talents, that are so missed in the music industry, I can`t wait for the day he releases another solo album or reunites with Big Boi and do another album together. Anywho check out the tracklist and listen to the mixtape below.

 Tracklist:

1 – Chonky Fire (Intro)

2 – Return of the G

3 – Git Up, Git Out

4 – So Fresh So Clean

5 – Skew it on the Bar-B

6 – Wheelz of Steel

7 – Dez Only 1

8 – Tracklisting:

9 – Da Art of Storytellin’ pt.4

10 – Babylon

11 – Elevators

12- Sumthin Wicked This Way

13 – Smokefest 1999

14 – Aquemini

15 – Crumblin Erb

16 – Gon Be Fine (rmx)

17 – Benz or Beamer

18 – Jazzy Belle

19 – Thought Process

20 – Hootie Hoo

21 – Phobia

22 – Da Art of Storytellin’ pt.2

23 – Ova Da Wudz

24 – Millenium

25 – Player’s Ball

26 – Tough Guy

27 – In Due Time

28 – Rats & Roaches

29 – Felicia Fur Freestyle

30 – Royal Flush

31 – Ms. Jackson

32 – Sole Sunday

33 – Everlasting

34 – Throw Your Hands Up

35 – Everybody

36 – Black Ice

37 – Da Art of Storytellin’ pt.1

38 – Funkin Around

39 – What About Your Friends (rmx)

40 – Red Velvet

41 – Movin Cool

42 – Life in the Day of Benjamin Andre (Incomplete)

43 – Green Light

44 – I Do

Download here. 

New Music: Kelly Rowland - "Number One"

Ms Kelly Rowland has been in the studio working on her forthcoming forth album titled "Year Of The Woman" but she has released a new track titled "Number One". The solid mid-tempo track is produced  Mike WiLL Made It and is exclusively lifted from his latest mixtape "Est. in 1989 2.5." .

"Number One" sees Kelly singing to her man about being his one and only:  "If I’m not the one, then I guess you can call number two. I guess I won’t be lovin’ you,". This is the type of record that we want to hear from Kelly, none of the half-ass records that she does with Sean Garrett that really limit her. This record allows her to showcase her beautiful vocal range and the production is so refreshing, so many great elements within it. - Zion

Rating: 4/5

 This is a sensual club banger with its thumping beats that will take you for a ride. Kelly really is showing growth on this record her best since "Motivation".- Vaughn 

Rating: 4.5/5

Brotherly Love : Deonte And Zion

"I love Zion for putting our photos together like this, you know it's amazing how you can connect with wonderful people across the world and build beautiful relationships. Zion is a great person and although he's miles away I truly have love for this little guy. He love him some me and I love him right back. Can't wait for the day when we share one photo with two big smiles, hugs."- Deonte

"Awwww I love you to death Deonte, we`ve known each other for a long time and our relationship has grown stronger and stronger, always been there for each through all the ups and downs of life. And I see so much of who I can became when I look at you, you`re so beautiful and very inspiring. I can`t wait for that day as well."- Zion

Introducing: Mylah

Introducing Mylah, she`s a beautiful and talented singer-songwriter based in Atlanta. Who is signed to Grammy-award winning songwriter-producer Bryan-Michael Cox's label, December First Music Group. Earlier this year she released her debut single titled "Ever" lifted from her upcoming EP, which is due out in  January. The song is a playful Pop/R&B track, featuring a funky production by Danjahandz and was written by Adonis Shropshire, it showcases Mylah's smooth vocal delivery as she sings about getting over a past relationship.

She recently released the second single off the EP, titled "Honesty" that was produced by Brandon "B.A.M." Alexander, the song talks about being in a new relationship and being honesty about still having feelings for her previous boyfriend but that doesn`t mean she wants to be back with him.: "Baby, you know that I love you, but sometimes I still think about him. No one can take me away from you, but sometimes my mind goes back to then. Although it may sound fucked up to say it to you, just wanted to be honest, honest, honest." 

They say honesty is the best policy but some people just can`t handle it, her honesty doesn`t sit well with him,  "Don’t tell me honesty only works when it don’t hurt, cause that would be some shit." And he is not man enough to admit that he still talks to his ex-girlfriend, she just wants him to be honest with her as she is with him: "He said, she said, let’s just keep it out the way, one hundred with each other and we will be just fine."

Mylah`s vocal delivery is so strong, heartfelt and so connected to the topic, she makes you feel it.

Rating:  3.8/5 

New Music: Frank Ocean - "Wise Man"

 Grammy nominated artist Frank Ocean recently uploaded a new song titled "Wise Man" via his tumblr page , the track was recorded for the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino’s forthcoming new film "Django Unchained", sadly it didn`t make the cut.  

Here`s what Quentin had to say about the track: "Frank Ocean wrote a fantastic ballad that was truly lovely and poetic in every way, there just wasn’t a scene for it. I could have thrown it in quickly just to have it, but that’s not why he wrote it and not his intention. So I didn’t want to cheapen his effort. But, the song is fantastic, and when Frank decides to unleash it on the public, they’ll realize it then."

"Wise Man" is beautiful mid-tempo track that showcase his amazing songwriting skills and his vocal delivery is so sincere and heartfelt, the production is  beautifully put together. Shame it didn`t make the album cut and I think they could`ve found a scene for it, if they tried.

 Rating: 5/5

Letting Go Does Not Mean Giving Up...

By Jenna Phillips

Every single day we experience challenges, potholes, frustrations, and metaphorical walls that seem to be without doors or windows. At times we feel like we’re at the end of our rope, and we have no choice but to give up. To give up is to accept failure and do NOTHING. We don’t ever have to “give up”, but we CAN “let go”.

To “let go” is to MOVE ON, and allow yourself enough energy to tackle the next obstacle in front of you. You don’t want to exhaust yourself on something that will not serve you. Being attached to anything won’t free up the space for other opportunities. Letting go does NOT equal giving up. I’ve more than once, in the past, been so attached to an outcome that I refused to let go of a situation. I focused my energy on what I could’ve done differently, or how it “should’ve” turned out.

It wasn’t until I stopped “shoulding” all over myself that I was able to remember what I’ve always said: “Everything happens FOR us, not TO us.” If a way through an obstacle doesn’t seem to be working, we get to find another way. There’s always under, around, over, and with. This can show up in business deals, Tough Mudder races, relationships, construction detours, or opening a glass jar. There is ALWAYS another way.

What we all get to do is realize that there is something waiting for us on the other side of that wall, so it’s up to us to figure out how to get there. And maybe we get to bypass the wall completely and find a secret portal in the floor or the ceiling. There is no end. We cannot fail. The Uni-verse won’t allow it. We most certainly can do everything on our own – we ARE that powerful – but we don’t have to be solo soldiers. We have an abundant amount of support all around us. Just open your eyes and receive.

Last week I competed in a brutal obstacle course that most people would never even think about doing. I signed up to do this so I could raise money for my sister’s Lyme Disease treatments. I knew my body would get thrown around, bruised, and beat up – but I was on a MISSION to win the cash prize for my sister.

I had coaches to cheer me on from the sidelines, and the crowd was unbelievably supportive. I had to jump through spinning hoops, swim through ice water, climb up steep pyramids, get over thick walls, cross unstable bridges, and dive into unknown waters. I thought I was going to die.  But I didn’t.

There was one obstacle that I couldn’t get over, but I tried again and again and again. I was so determined to make it over this one and I refused to “give up” on that specific one. I basically blocked out the knowledge that there were others on the course that I could use to get to the final destination.

The crowd yelled, “MOVE ON TO THE NEXT ONE!!!” That hit me! I thought – “Letting go is NOT giving up! On to the next!” So I let my attachment go and I easily made it across the next one. Life doesn’t have to be difficult. It really doesn’t. We feel like it has to be, and that anything worth having doesn’t come easily. Rewards often come after a lot of “hard work”, but hardships do not guarantee a prize. I promise that you can always find another way. Failure is NOT an option.