Tuesday, March 28, 2017

How To Visualize Yourself Beyond Ordinary (VYBO)

Back in about 2006, I returned to a book that has been with me my whole life "The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino and also "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale, I had physical copies of these books that I would read. When I was a kid, I remember my Nanny always used to have audio books in the car about positive thinking, so as an adult I naturally started to search for my favorite books in audiobook format. The first one I started listening to a lot was "The Supreme Personality" by Dr. Delmer Eugene Croft which I found on Youtube.



As we all know Youtube is an endless resource of information and how to/ DIY solutions so over the past few years of continual searching and listening I have experienced growth in consciousness. My understanding of what consciousness is has led to the accumulation a ton of awesome audio books and motivational videos.



When I started to understand what consciousness is I began to look at my brain like a computer. Being more conscious made me realize all the negative things that had been programmed into me. Whether that be negative influence from the TV, from people close to me or my own negative self-talk and thoughts. The good news is, that when you become aware of this, you learn that you can put new improved positive programs in place of the negative ones and to do this audio books and motivational videos can be really helpful, and I find them to go hand in hand with prayer.



This particular video from the Youtube Channel VYBO (Visualize Yourself Beyond Ordinary) is a famous Earl Nightingale speech and shows really opulent images throughout which encourages your visualizing mind to feel the reality of what it would be like to attain the riches of your heart's desire. I have been watching this particular video for about 2 months and I enjoy playing it in the morning when I get back from the gym, and before I head out to the block to hustle. I really like this channel, all their videos have this same prosperous feeling to them I love the intro. Check it out if you're in need of some inspiration!!





Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The Air Jordan 11 Low Columbia Returns In 2017

I had these when they came out originally back in the day, 10th or 11th grade. They came out this color and the low top cherry on the same day. I showed up to school mid-day wearing one color on each foot and a brand new Air Jordan Sweatsuit that was FIRE!



What is the Best Digital Distribution Company for my Music?

This video is over two years old, but it's one I think I saw about that long ago and just recently came across it again. It gives you a side by side breakdown of each of the most popular distribution companies, One Rpm, CDBaby, TuneCore and DistroKid based on the categories of Price, % of Royalties they keep from your sales, ISRC and UPC code costs, Payout methods, general reputation and the extra services they each offer included in their membership.



For a long time, I have been preparing myself in a lot of different ways to progressively make my way into the music industry as an independent artist. It's always been something I've wanted to do on my own terms which inevitably leads to digital distribution. Obviously, everybody knows that the internet era has changed the landscape of the music industry and what it means to be an independent artist, and I want to go about releasing my new music in the smartest way possible.



I'm sure some things have changed about these services, but for the most part, I find this video to be extremely helpful. Obviously, the narrator really likes One RMP, and I agree. The only thing I know One RMP doesn't do, that CD baby does do, is ship physical copies of the CDs with packaging, art work and barcodes. And they will actually design it for you too, which is pretty cool. Over the years I have gathered a lot of info about all these and other distribution companies with the exception of DistroKid, so I understand why he leans towards One RMP.



I think the direct to fan sales option that One RMP gives you caters to new artists that are just getting started. It's huge that they don't charge to add your music to internet radio stations and streaming services because it makes you look really professional as an artist and is great for your brand.

I don't have an account with One RMP yet, but I believe they are the direction I will be going in soon. I hope this info is helpful for some of you that are looking into this type of stuff and thank you for reading.







SADA JAMES - COME SEE ME (COVER)

Super Fuckin Groovy!! Shout out to miss Sada James from Cincy. I smell a write up coming soon!





Saturday, March 18, 2017

Running = Hustler Motivation

Since my Bball practice days, I have always enjoyed running. As I have gotten older it's become more of a therapeutic type of activity. If you follow my Instagram account, then you know and are maybe a lil bit annoyed by my constant mile time posts, but for me it has been one of the most motivating things I have done to start this year. When I start my day off with a nice run, it seems to make the rest of the day easier. I feel accomplished early on in the day, I have more energy, I'm more alert and more focused. Overall, it just sets the stage for the positive energy to flow.

From a healthy lifestyle perspective, running has become a place where I can really push myself and set the bar, preparing me for my whole workout. After a couple weeks of consistency, when I get to a place that I'm happy with as far as speed and distance, I build in the rest of my workout (lifting, push-ups, yoga). Seeing my progress from day to day as my time gets faster and faster is so motivating!

On top of that, I love maximizing the benefits of my run by also using the time to listen to new music. The music in combination with not looking down at the clock until at least 4-5 songs have passed makes it seem easier and faster. It's a hustler's mind game, but it works for me! Check out my 2 mile times below...from 23.50 down to 14:30 !!
 


Running provides the perfect base for everything else that I do, including the Hustle. To me, running on the treadmill is almost exactly the same thing as selling my mixtape on The Boulevard, because when you're out there, you have to go through so many "No's" until you get a "Yes!" and it can be very challenging. When I'm running, my body starts to tell me "No!", it says to stop, that's enough, but when I push through and find myself still running, it's all "Yes!" Every "No" is one step closer to a "Yes", and every mile is one step closer to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Boom! Let's Get it!




Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Air Jordan 1 All Blue Suede

I don't even know if these are out already, I suspect that they might be by now, but I actually can't find the official release dates online. I didn't even know about them when I walked into one of my favorite stores in Hollywood, Drip LA and they just happened to be sitting on the shelf! The sales homie told me that they hadn't been released yet but Drip was letting them go early and I knew I had to have them! Not to mention according to the articles I did see, if they were released, they were only supposed to be in GS sizing. Looks like I got lucky!

In my opinion, Air Jordan brand has really done it again with this all blue on blue premium suede midcut AJ 1. Right off the bat the shoe stands out in your hands. If you're a sneaker head and you love Jordan's then you know that the quality can sometimes be a hit or miss type of thing, but on these you can clearly see that they are on the level. The blue is a bright royal blue and I'm giving them the nickname of the "All Money In" one's because they that Crenshaw Blue and they remind me of some shit that Nipsey might rock.

Supposedly the suede 1's come out in a set of three, which is this blue, the fire red and a cool grey. I'm not sure about the grey but I can imagine that if I come across a red pair, I'll probably have to add them to my collection. Check them all out here and here and here.





Saturday, March 11, 2017

"ili" - The Wearable Translator is Fire

A lot of ya'll might know this, some of ya'll that are new might not, but I have been pushing my mixtape on Hollywood Boulevard for the last few years. I have been fortunate to meet people from all over the world that speak all different languages and the language barrier can be a challenge when it comes to getting my message across to the customers. Over the years I have learned certain words and key phrases that allow me to relate to foreign language speakers but I recently discovered this new piece of technology that could take my hustle game to a whole new level.



The "ili" is a wearable translator. It's about the size of a candy bar and translates on the spot. It does not need Wifi or any internet connection. Initially it supports English, Chinese and Japanese but you'll be able to update as more languages are added according to demand. It's not yet on the market but you can sign up to be on the waitlist. Rumored to be available for purchase Summer 2017. Check out the video below. This is super dope.







Thursday, March 9, 2017

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Stoned Emoji - Starship Back Again

I woke up this morning and was excited to come across this new single, "Stoned Emoji" from my fam, Starship, representing Ohio and Cincinnati to the fullest. Now, I been sayin this for a long time, but Cincinnati is absolutely a bubbling melting pot for up and coming talent so please allow me to continue to shed light on some. Jimi Skywlkr and his brother Chris Awesome are makin a lot of moves on the underground hip hop scene.


It just so happens, I was rolling my first blunt of the day and this cut is perfect for doing just that. Definitely a smoke and ride type track, my favorite kind. It's got that dope ass soulful beat and sample with groovy lyrics and that Ohio player type vibe.  Jimi and Chris always come as the perfect duo. Jimi has the swag, sauce and mojo, Chris is killin the quick "Twista-like" flow and punch lines. Definitely smokin heavy to this for the next few days, keep up the good work, looking forward to the next one!!

In case you didn't see the other two links...here's where you can listen on Soundcloud.



Saturday, March 4, 2017

Health Conscious Kid's Books By Dr. Pooch

For all the crazy people, vendors, and characters that show up on Hollywood Boulevard, every once in a while you come across a person with an idea or talent that really stands out. Generally, when I'm out on the block I'm in hustle mode only and rarely entertain non-CD selling interactions, but the other day was different.

I saw this brother setting up a table with his own series of healthy children's books. If you've read my blog over the last year or so you know that I have made the lifestyle change into being vegetarian and am taking steps everyday towards switching to Vegan as well, so this is obviously a topic that I feel strongly about. His name is Dr. Pooch and he has created educational and entertaining children's books focused around getting kids interested and excited about health and wellness at an early age.

I feel it's extremely important to invest in these kinds of business ventures and make these ideas cool for kids. I think because of the smart phones, social media, video games, fast food etc etc it becomes hard to convince a younger person or a kid that being health conscious is really whats cool, so when I saw Dr. Pooch with these books I immediately wanted to see what he was all about.

After looking at his website, I'm really impressed with his business mind. He's created his own publishing company, Dr. Pooch Publishing, and also has the books for sale on Amazon. In addition, he and his team lead workshops on Urban Farming, Holistic Health and Literacy among others for educators, community centers and other organizations.


Overall this is just a super dope concept from a conscious brother with a great purpose and I look forward to seeing his success and buying some books for myself. Check him out on Instagram @dr_pooch for more info and buy from his website or Amazon!!! Thank you Dr. Pooch, keep up the great work Brother!