I've been gone...consumed with sitting at a desk and inputing sensitive data for 8 hours a day...I know you missed me.
I've been waiting for this for a while...and I'm definitely satisfied. So here...take a peak at Lupe Fiasco's new video for the lead single of his upcoming LASERS album. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Yeah, I know I've been gone for a minute. Hell, I haven't dropped anything of substance here in over a month...maybe 2+. Well, I finally have something worthwhile to get down here.
On Friday, I got the chance to chop it up with someone many consider a legend. My first interview, and it was with the dude who created a bunch of classics on Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt, Ski Beatz. Most recently, he's been working hard to get samples cleared for the release of 24 Hour Karate School, which includes the likes of Mos Def, Jay Electronica, Jean Grae, Curren$y, Joell Ortiz, Rass Kass etc.
Here's the 24 Hour Karate School Trailer...if you haven't already seen it:
Needless to say I was nervous, but I pushed through it, and it turned out to be one of the most interesting and rewarding things I've done in a very long while. At first I was uncomfortable, but after the first 5 minutes, it wasn't even an interview anymore. I was just picking his brain and asking questions that have always crossed my mind when I listened to his music.
Props to Ski for taking the time out of his schedule to chat, and major props to my guy 100K and everyone over at FRSHPulp who helped make it happen.
Check out the interview HERE. Let me know what y'all think.
So after some deep thought, and a long conversation with an old friend, I've come to the conclusion that in life you have to go hard or go home. I know, I'm kinda late with catching onto the concept, but better late than never, right?
So here I go. I'm throwing myself out there, and throwing every ounce of my heart and soul into something that will make me happy. I set up an appointment with my Journalism professor from my final year of undergrad, looked into graduate schools, reached out to the people I know that are willing and able to give me the proverbial foot into the door, and all that's left is the work.
They say "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." Well, there's no doubt that the going is tough. Time to push forward. Never settle. There's ALWAYS more to be done. ALWAYS something to improve. It was damn near 10 years ago, but something a teacher of mine told me still echoes in the back of my mind. She said "the longest journey starts with a single step." She probably didn't come up with that on the spot, but if ever there's a moment that things get overwhelming, you can take solace in the fact that you can't do it all at once. Too much pressure, and we're all liable to collapse. You can't hit a 5 run home run, you've got to get those runners on base, and push 'em in, one single at a time.
And that's the truest thing I've ever wrote in my life.
This video that was sent to me last night by one of my best friends pretty much says it all.
Who knew Will Smith was such a deep dude? Go figure.
Haven't been this excited about a new artist since Lupe, which is interesting, because I've heard a few comparisons between the two.
Anyway, check out a new track J. Cole dropped. It's called Playground. Trust me on this one. I can't promise that he'll be the next big thing in mainstream, but I can promise that he's one of the most talented young guys today.
So, as work my way toward stability and comfortable living, I find myself faced with a number of pressing questions. Recently, I took the NYPD entry exam. Relatively easy (got a 90%). I know a number of police officers, and having a degree in criminal justice I know what the job entails. The question I find myself asking is this: am I really willing to dedicate myself as much as is necessary for a career in law enforcement?
See, damn near every person I've met who was in actual law enforcement was so bombarded with the responsibilities of the job that their personal lives suffered. Most were divorced, seeing their children on weekends. Do I really want to be "that" dad. Could I find a way to balance 20 hour workdays with anything else? Is the money even worth the rigors and stresses of everyday life? Could I pull it off for a few years, pile up money, then move onto something more calm and normal? Do I want a sense of normalcy?
My brain is spinning right now. So many questions with open-ended answers.
I guess this is normal, but at this point I feel like I have to start making moves somewhere. Preferably toward the money. I guess the rest should follow...right?
