Music Ain’t Dead, It’s Just Wrapped in GOLD

As a Connoisseur of Hip-Hop I fancy all types of artists. As a Texan I am prone to be biased to local talent however every once in a while, an oddball catches my attention.

I had the pleasure of attending an exclusive listening party hosted by Legna Media Group introducing one of its artist: Asshole in Gold. A slim fella with a convincing swag, gold fangs and a nerdy look. I had no idea by his looks that I was in for such a treat.

I sat back and listened to the EP ‘ITS ASSHOLE’ track after track along with record label executives, attorneys and music enthusiasts. The time seemed to stand still as the melodic tunes coupled with the Southern drawl most closely compared to Andre 3000 of Outkast had everyone head bobbing.

Bringing the last song to completion was the feature by Dallas’ own Erykah Badu. Replays were requested and the synonymous thumbs up made us all honorary members of the ‘Fang Gang’

‘ITS ASSHOLE’ hasn’t been released yet. Until then check out  his latest single ‘Brittany’ on all streaming platforms.

Confidence on FLEEK Self-Esteem on WEAK: The Apocalypse of the 2018 Woman

I was attending a 3rd Sunday night musical which was the popular thing to do in my Holy Roller days. I was a 21 year old single mother that was hell bent on staying single until marriage and all I wanted to do was serve the Lord. I got to church, found me a nice cozy spot in the middle and prepared to hear some good music.

A very handsome brother could not seem to stay focused on the singing. He sat in front of me and noticeably kept turning around so that we could lock eyes. No matter how much I ignored him he found a way to make his interest known. When the musical was over he approached me and we exchanged numbers. The next 365 days were eventful.

Our first conversation went on for hours. He was a 32 year old divorced minister with 4 kids by 2 different women. He was charming, sweet and knew all the right words. Our first date was followed by 2 more dates concurrently, seeing each other daily and need I give details to the intimacy that had taken a little girl to a full grown woman in a matter of months.

My new beau said what attracted him the most was my confidence. I was well poised and always had a meticulous appearance. This is something that was inbred from a strong group of beautiful women that proceeded me in generational and familial status. To this day my mother doesn’t leave the house without earrings or lipstick and confidence exudes her. I was taught to walk in a room and show up-not flashy-not loud but let my presence make the noise.

The confidence that I had at 21 did not prevent me from carrying on with a man that had lied about being married. This led to a situation that ended up in me attending the funeral of his dead wife weeks after she and I had been involved in a dramatic argument. A church scandal, broken hearts and a man that would not be with either of us. Let us not forget the invite to the house they shared only days after she was cold in the ground…

Confidence is a modality that women have learned to mimic in today’s society. We are confident enough to land the job of our dreams, start businesses’ and create beautiful off springs, however confidence alone cannot sustain our lives. There is a missing ingredient that is absent after we meet a certain someone or are introduced into a new situation and that is self-esteem.

You know like the twins POLY and ESTER Confidence and Self-Esteem go hand in hand. You may have the confidence to pull the most handsome brother in the room (I always have) but lack the self-esteem that is needed to support the relationship.

After many years of being single and finding myself in situations where I felt defeated I had to admit that I am as confident as they come but how I esteem my self is not 100%.

The thoughts that we carry around that no one else can hear and the way we treat ourselves less than others is proof that our self-esteem is low if it exists at all.

The 2018 woman will never admit that perhaps she treats he children, her family and especially a man (even a good one) better than she treats herself. Instead she tries to “fix” the issue by going to the gym-the plastic surgeon-reading self-help books that give her CONFIDENCE a boost but leaves her self-esteem starving.

So being an almost 40 year old sister that can meet powerful men because I’m everybody’s type (Ask ‘Yonce) I have to admit that being confident only gets you in the door but self-esteem keeps you there.

To be continued…

A Blow to the Belly: Spence Brings Home the Win in One Round

Thousands gathered on Saturday June 16, 2018 in Frisco, TX to witness history in the making. Desotos’ own Errol Spence Jr. took on opponent Carlos Ocampo. The highly anticipated fight aired live on Showtime following two televised bouts.

The energy at the Ford Center at The Star, the training facility for the Dallas Cowboys was electric as 12,604 people packed the venue for a sold out show. Hall of famer Michael Irvin, boxing twins Jermell & Jermall Charlo and rapper Lil Boosie were just a few celebrities spotted ringside at the iconic event.

Spence was introduced by Dallas Rapper Yella Beezy who debuted his  Billboard top 40 hit song  “That’s On Me". Enthusiasts cheered as Spence entered the arena. The Welterweight world titleholder entered the ring and delivered a victory in the first round. After a few jabs Ocampo was knocked out from a body shot.

"I was a little disappointed. I wanted to give the crowd their money's worth. I wanted him to sustain a bit and give him some punishment, but the body shot got him and I dropped him," Spence said. "It was a great victory. It was really short, so it is hard to describe. I took my time. I tried to use my jab. He was a little bit awkward, but I caught him and was able to actually hurt him. I thought he was going to be a little bit tougher, but I hit him with a body shot. I don't get paid for overtime. If I can get him out in the first, great, but I wanted to carry it, go to the fourth or fifth round for the fans."

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones delivered a message to Spence in the ring after the victory "This room was full of Dallas Cowboys football players supporting you, they share your passion. I saw a guy in this ring who knew what he wanted. When you knock a guy out by hitting him once on the side of his back, you're bad to the bone.

Ocampo, who was a mandatory challenger was an underdog. Never beating a top opponent the odds were not in his favor. Campo stated after his defeat “l got a lot of experience out of fighting Errol. It would have been a very difficult fight for me. I got overconfident at the end of the round and he caught me."

What’s next for Spence? "I want to fight the best," Spence said “Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter are fighting each other and I definitely want to make that a unifying fight. We both have the same management, we both fight on Showtime. Why not make that happen? I definitely want that fight whenever it's available."

IT’S YEEZY SEASON! HOW THE SUNKEN PLACE PRODUCES GREATNESS

“I know Obama was Heaven-sent But ever since Trump won, it proved that I could be President” The first lyrics from the controversial new song by Kanye West featuring T.I. have already stirred up a national conversation. The Hip-Hop artist that performed “Jesus Walks” on the Grammy Awards and said that “George Bush doesn’t like black people” during the tumultuous hurricane Katrina storm that impacted our community tremendously was the voice of our people. Now the opinions of our people have shifted.

During my morning drive I was listening to Veda Loca and the morning team of 97.9 the Beat. Veda played the song twice and allowed callers to voice their opinions of the song live. As I listened to ‘our people’ crucify a man based on his opinions I was astonished and somewhat disappointed.

Some callers highlighted his political comments-which theoretically were not those of support of the Republican Party but highlighted the fact that politics is not black and white, there are gray areas. His message which seems to be over shadowed by negativity is that of unity and love.

Kanye has spoken very openly about his “Sunken Place” which he describes as the place that made him a new loving individual that wants to face the person responsible for his mother’s death. He has tweeted messages fueled with passion yet the perspectives of the average have painted him out to be delusional.

As a survivor of my own ‘Sunken Place’ I too have emerged with opinions and ideologies that most would not agree with. Being in a place of solitude that is forced upon you by deep hurt either makes you or breaks you. Honestly it breaks you first THEN if you allow the strength to emerge you out of the rubble you are reborn.

The Black Community can be the most critical, wishy-washy and condemning individuals in the nation. Speaking as a black woman who was rejected by black girls at a young age I decided a long time ago that I would not only be supportive of my own people but I would love those unconditionally that loved me when no one else would.

For Kanye, Kim Kardashian the figurative nemesis of black women is the woman who has held him down throughout this process and so now KANYE DOESN’T LIKE BLACK PEOPLE. Well did he like black people when he said the exact same thing to George Bush?

We have got to come to a more open-minded place so that the next generation can see through lenses of love. As a black woman that can identify with the verse “You ain't never seen nothing crazier than this n**** when he off his Lexapro.” From The Life of Pablo I know the Sunken Place very well. As I pulled myself out of a deep hole that no one knew I was in I came out stronger, wiser and much more opinionated…..most importantly it created GREATNESS #StayTuned
 

Hip-Hop Economics: Why a Rappers Network Equals their Net Worth

My favorite movie is The Pursuit of Happyness. I have probably seen it over 1000 times. There were times in my life when I had a little-if I would be more transparent I would elaborate on roach infested floors and no beds. I had a television, a DVD player and 2 children. I stayed awake all night to keep the roaches off of them and this movie was my motivation.

The concept of Will Smith holding on to that one machine throughout the movie and his child resonated with me. There are different levels of success and sometimes you must hit rock bottom to climb to the top.

Now I own my own PR/Media Company and have been blessed to work with many celebrities but mainly Hip-Hop artists. I have been backstage at concerts, facilitated and managed media for events and been privy to many off the record transactions and affairs. 

Persuading Hip-Hop artists to invest in their own Publicist is congruent to being a door to door salesman. In a predominantly female field Publicists work tirelessly to create and maintain the reputation of their clients. As the vast majority of artists have overcome their journey from a sorted past the residue and mindset they possess still remains.

Most recently a well know artist that I have assisted in working with has taken to social media to express his feelings and to address public ridicule. The more he posts-the more he speaks-the more he leaves himself open for criticism and media to display, misconstrue and make a mockery of his words.. 

Artists treat their craft and the music industry like a hustle. They keep money under their mattresses, insist on being paid in cash and solely depend on ‘show money’ for their riches. Endorsements and mainstream opportunities pass them by.

Brand value among rappers is reserved for those that have become successful entrepreneurs and have invested in top PR firms. Social Media campaigns run by artists for the sake of promoting lacks the professional tactics that reach the audiences needed to shift their value.

Yet Jay-Z, Nas, Diddy and others have ‘made it out of the mud’ and the leader joined the Billionaire Boys Club and continues to allow his stellar PR team to create innovative situations that keep adding to his net worth.

Forcing themselves to stay in the ‘Middle Passage’ hundreds of years later by taking the scraps that are left over you can catch your ‘Free me’ rapper at your local concert venue a few times a year booking after parties at strip clubs and posting vulgarities on social media. 

While their network does not expand nor does their net worth their contentment is consistent. The future of Hip-Hop lies on the shoulders of those that understand to get a dollar you must invest

Bottom Feeders and the People That Love Them

I am the absolute worst when it comes to answering my phone. I do no enjoy pointless conversations-I reserve those for texting. As of late I find myself watching an individual call then my countenance changes and I start contemplating if I should answer or not. I am not speaking of the pesky unavailable calls or bill collectors, I am referencing those that you have labeled as a friend but have some qualms about them.

I did not realize how many of these people had infiltrated my life. Prior to this season I had people that I loved to speak with. We laughed, talked for hours and spent quality time together. Then something shifted and I was left with a gaping hole in my heart. I trusted these people. Some were family but nevertheless they came to a consensus that me being a part of their life was too much for them to handle. This was a hard pill to swallow. I was blindsided and left with no explanation. I had to do some soul searching.

One day I had a conversation about my favorite food: Shrimp. I’m a true “Bubba Gump” at heart. I was raving about the latest place that I had labeled as my favorite spot to eat. While speaking to an old friend he politely let me finish and he stated “Those are BOTTOM FEEDERS. They are no good for you. They eat anything that is left over at the bottom of the sea and they are content with it. Eating shrimp is terrible for your digestive track” I instantly got angry. I LOVED SHRIMP! Now I was faced with the reality that something that I loved so much was toxic for me. Out of my respect for his plethora of wisdom and knowledge I stopped eating shrimp cold turkey.

Then the epiphany came. The individuals that were no longer a part of my life were just like those shrimp. They were bottom feeders. I enjoyed their company and gave them all of me while they knew that they were there only for a limited time. They came to feed off of my scraps and the manifestation that they received was not the same as I. They couldn’t accept it and so they had to float off to another part of the sea.

Now I have new people in my life. People that I have no idea what their motives are and why they are present. Still wounded from the last group of Decapoda I am now faced with the task of sifting through ambivalence. Watching a clip from Vanessa Van Edwards as she spoke on Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu opened my eye to an entirely new theory. The anxiety that comes from dealing with ‘fake friends’ is literally bad for your health.

So as I now substitute my shrimp for tilapia I have also traded what I once thought were lifelong relationships for new budding connections that seemingly may be the best thing that ever happened to me or may end up at the bottom of the sea.

To see the full episode of Vanessa Van Edwards speaking on ‘Fake Friends’ Click on the link:

http://impacttheory.com/episode/vanessa-van-Edwards/

#TrapLivesMATTER: The Shocking Underworld that has Dallas under Siege

Texas has always been known for its blistering summer heat. The City of Dallas’ recent popularity has not been characterized by large ranches and gallon cowboy hats. Murder, drugs and road rage have been the topics of discussion. Reaching National News, the story of Shavon Randle the 13 year-old murdered over stolen drugs has ignited a new conversation that has been overshadowed for decades. Illegal money has much more power among the seemingly poor than city officials, politicians and the middle-class society could ever have imagined.

I found myself at a town hall meeting last summer with School board members, Pro Tem Mayors and Pastors all gathered to discuss a plan to breathe life back in to the once thriving Red Bird Mall located in the Southern sector of Dallas. As I observed those sitting on the panel and the small crowd of citizens looking for solutions I began to consider the class of non-working people that had no interest in the jobs that they were discussing. When the chance presented itself I took my opportunity to speak.

I questioned the panel regarding a popular Dallas event-then named “The Hood Awards” not to be mistaken for Steve Harvey’s annual event but an event that glorifies the lives of those that live by different standards. Boosters that are professional thieves and supply the barber and beauty shops with high-end clothing at a discounted price; Young men that post pictures of money bragging amusingly about their last drug heist; A society that will never reach the middle-class because they were born into generational poverty and learned how to get over and survive.

My question to the panel: “What makes 200 new minimum wage jobs appealing to young people that make hundreds to thousands of dollars a day? You want them to give up their Jordans’ and Gucci shoes for steel toe boots?” As the glares ensued so did the echoes: there were no answers.

One year later an amber alert for a missing 13 year old girl has snowballed into over a dozen arrests, 2 violent murders and the uncovering of an underworld. A shocked middle-class has turned to social media for updates and answers. African-Americans one paycheck from being homeless are now judging those that decided to take matters into their own hands. The same “middle-class” that glorifies trap music but when the song goes off they drive to their homes with stacked unopened bills.

I certainly do not condone the drug trafficking and illegal activity however I believe that a city that issues grants to chicken shacks for $850,000.00 and the patrons that drive from surrounding areas to “grab their chicken and run” leave no room to judge individuals that they do not understand.

What is the solution? I’m not sure that I have that answer. As a Catholic School girl that graduated from a top 100 high school, had a baby out of wedlock at 18 and never pledged anything but survival I can only offer my willingness to understand. Bumping “Pretty Girls Like Trap Music” the latest album by Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz as my inspiration, I digress. Ice Cube’s foreshadowing portrayed through his character ‘Doughboy’ in Boyz in the Hood deems appropriate: “They either don’t KNOW, don’t SHOW or just don’t CARE about what’s going on in the hood” #StayWoke

Kap G celebrated Cinco De Mayo by Delivering a Positive Message at a Fort Worth High School

Atlanta based Mexican –American Rapper Kap G made a stop on the “Party Tour” in Dallas, TX for Cinco de Mayo to support Anti-Bullying.  The artist surprised students at Trimble Tech High School in Fort Worth, TX with a performance of his hit song “Girlfriend” powered by PhaLyfe Entertainment.

Stressing his disdain for bullying he encouraged students to join an Anti-bullying campaign for peer support. Building camaraderie with the 70% Hispanic populated school Kap G took pictures with students and celebrated the National holiday by delivering a positive message.

Leaving his alter ego ‘Super Jefe’ for the concert stage Kap G was also accompanied by Hip-Hop artist Trapp the General who supported the cause and his encouraging message. Both artists left a lasting impression among the students and took the lead in giving on this weekend of remembering Mexican-American culture.

 Performing on the “Party Tour” is headliner Chris Brown, accompanied by Rappers Fabolous, O.T. Genasis and Kap G in Dallas, TX at the American Airlines Center.

Celebrity Giving Pit-Stop: Rapper Trina speaks to Girls in Dallas,TX While on Tour

Making her contribution after performing on tour with Hip-Hop Mogul Rick Ross Rapper Trina stopped by The Urban Specialists in Dallas, TX. Speaking to a group of teens from Dade Middle School & Lincoln Humanities High School the entrepreneurial diva spoke about Cyber bullying, Self-Esteem and dealing with negativity amongst peers.

As an added bonus teens were able to enjoy lunch and ask questions during this “Chat and Chew” which was organized by Dallas’ premier organization -The ELO Group LLC led by CEO is Teirney Johnson who is popularly known for creating ‘funtastic’ events for non-profits.

When asked how she has remained the most consistent female rapper over the last 2 decades Trina encouraged the group to stay focused. Noting that she started out in Real Estate and that she never aspired to be a rapper. At the age of 19 she began rapping with her friend Trick Daddy and her career was born and has continued to date. She stressed ”By maintaining a positive attitude my success is only due to my belief that I have the ability to persevere.” The majority of questions from young girls surrounded the topic of overcoming negativity amongst peers. Trina simply answered “I call those people negative bums. Those people have negative energy and they have a job to do and that is to be negative. Your job is to focus on staying positive and love yourself.”

The Urban Specialists is an organization positioned in Downtown Dallas directly across from the Dallas’ Police Headquarters. Known for their empowerment of the community and their non-acceptance of the current state of violent activity plaguing our city, this non-profit organization opened their doors for this event.

Joining Trina with an appearance was Dallas’s own Deion Sanders, Ladyee Savage and founders of The Urban Specialists Pastor Omar Jahwar and Antong Lucky. Promoting their motto #StandWithUS and gaining advice from the rapper for the teens was synonymous support for the message that they project through their outreach.

For more information on The Urban Specialists you can visit their website: http://urbanspecialists.org/