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How to Keep Hustlin...

Quick blog post today, I wanted to update ya'll on where I'm at right now. Manifest Hustle vol. 1 was released a few months ago and honestly, I couldn't be happier with the feedback that I've gotten from people. If you've had a conversation with me about it, you know who you are and thank you!

I just want you guys to know that I am taking matters into my own hands as far as driving hits to this music and gaining attention. No! I'm not paying for Soundcloud plays and Youtube views, however, I am taking advantage of my everyday hustle and surroundings here in Hollywood.

Everyone loves the album art anyway, so I got 5,000 fliers of just that. It's an old-school method but when you meet as many people as I do every day it's a great way for me to get some exposure and gain new fans. The response to the fliers has been super positive and I believe has helped to increase CD sales as well.

I've also been leaving a bunch of fliers in the weed shops around LA and tacking them up on telephone phones and different places around the city. Next up is to get some stickers and target the high schools.

As always THANK YOU FOR READING! If you haven't yet please LISTEN to MANIFEST HUSTLE vol. 1 and watch my videos for "Cut It (Freestyle)" and "Them Dirty Dollas" on Youtube.

Blessings Fam!

       

Baby Steps

You might not be able to see it just yet, but on the low, shit is happening!!! Personally, I am extremely happy with how Manifest Hustle vol. 1 turned out and there is still more to come with videos and marketing materials. The true reflection of how huge this project is for me right now, may not really be represented in the views or hits, but I know in my heart that I have laid the foundation for big steps in the right direction.

Not only am I approaching completion of the second volume, but I am excited to say that in my studio session a few days ago I worked out my live performance masters. When you think about a rap show...you think "oh he's just rapping, you just rap, that's the performance", but there is actually a lot more that goes into it and this process has been a valuable learning experience. Basically, these tracks have beats and hooks but no verses.

What this means is that I am one step closer to transitioning from a street hustler to a performing artist. It's something that I have visualized and dreamed about. If you fuck with my music please don't wait until I'm on stage to let it be known. Thank you.

Feels Good to be able to put some Shit out...

Peter Parker 513 - Cut It (Freestyle) 

Peter Parker 513 - Them Dirty Dollas

This post goes out strictly to my Manifest Hustlers. First off, I'm very very happy to say that I have successfully released two videos off my Manifest Hustle vol. 1 Mixtape Project and I'm so grateful to everyone that played a part in making this happen. You know who you are, God Bless you and I wish for you everything that I wish for myself. 

Secondly, I'd like to take this as an opportunity to speak to you guys, the ones that have been supporting and watching me over the years. As an artist, skill-wise, and creatively I feel like I'm at the top of my game. I feel like I'm the game's best-kept secret. Not to sound cliche but that's honestly how I feel. When I finally get everything figured out...from the block hustle to myself as an artist and as a businessman, everything that I do will definitely make more sense to you. However, I got to be honest in the fact that I don't know exactly how it's gonna come together and I don't know when. 

My mission is to maintain the lifestyle that I've built for myself over the last few years with my mixtapes and consistently deliver new and better music without jeopardizing that lifestyle. Also, I want to remind you guys that in no way shape or form am I looking to "be discovered." My dream and vision is to one day make the transition from a mixtape hustler on Hollywood Blvd to an independent performing artist and do it all on my own terms without sacrificing who I am as a man and spiritual being. 

Thank you and again I hope ya'll enjoy these two videos! If you haven't already, listen to the full mixtape, Manifest Hustle volume 1 on soundcloud. Feel free to reach out to me and let me know what you honestly think. All feedback is good feedback.

Music Success Week 9: The Real World. That's a Wrap!

Lot's of exciting completions to report in this blog. I have finished my first pass through Music Success in 9 Weeks by Ariel Hyatt and along with that my NEW MUSIC is now available on my NEW WEBSITE (which you are looking at right now) . Listen to Manifest Hustle !!!

(Music Success in 9 Weeks + The Original hand-drawn Artwork for Manifest Hustle vol. 1)

Now, as I mentioned in my previous post, though a lot of work has been done to bring these projects to fruition, in my mind, now is when the real hard work actually begins. Since it has been so long since I have released new music, this first mixtape in a series of many to drop this year was just about getting the music out and getting back in connection with my fans. I'm so grateful to this Music Success book for putting so much emphasis on that aspect of being an artist.

Week 9 gets real as the author discusses a wide range of topics from Networking, Press Kits, writing press releases plus finding and utilizing a publicist. As I read through the final stage of this information, I am thankful that I will have many opportunities to apply the steps more thoroughly with each new mixtape and album I release.

For so many years, I felt overwhelmed and I wanted to make excuses for why I wasn't ready to make new music, why I couldn't find beats, or producers or studios, but using Music Success in 9 Weeks not only gave me great content for my blog, but has given me a solid set of guidelines to make it all seem easier. I feel more equipped to continue this process, keep my fans involved, maximize my social media presence and start promoting in the right way so I can eventually make money from my music.

Some key points to note about Week 9: The Real World. When networking, think outside the box and attend events, parties, and social situations that align with your industry. For example, attending an event for musicians could help you find new band members but probably won't get you gigs. Going to a bridal convention, on the other hand, could help you book weddings. When you meet someone, make the conversation about them, ask them questions, and get a business card, then FOLLOW UP!! Following up is one of the most important things you can do that will make you stand out since most people don't. Finally, make sure you have a business card but don't offer it unless it is asked for.

Though you may feel that a Press Kit only needs to be online, it's important to have a hard copy prepared just in case. Not to mention, most journalists and writers prefer to have a jewel cased CD sent to them for easy access along with all your other relevant information including an engaging 1-page bio with your pitch from Week 2 in the first paragraph, contact information, photos and reviews/quotes.

When it comes to PR, Hyatt outlines how to create your own professional Press Release for new music, tours or other notable information about you, which can be really useful if you decide to do most of your own publicity. Otherwise finding a publicist is the next step to really getting the word out about your music via the internet, magazines, and newspapers. Week 9 leaves you with some helpful tips on how to save money with your publicist once you choose one.

I have absorbed all of this information, but it sounds like it will be more relevant to me once I start doing shows and have a little more traction, so I look forward to reusing this book from start to finish as I continue to make and release more music more consistently. For now, please let me know what you think of Manifest Hustle and my new website. LISTEN HERE!!!

Thank You to My Core Supporters: Manifest Hustle COMING SOON!

With inspiration from Music Success in 9 Weeks I came up with a plan for releasing my new music and the first piece of that plan was to drop the artwork. Since practically the first page, this book has focused on engagement. Engagement with fans, with other musicians, with bloggers and with partners. Eager to put this knowledge into play, I made a list of about 150 people of my Facebook Friends that I thought would be most likely to help me out and drafted an explanation of my vision for unveiling the album art for my new mixtape through their social media networks.

Reaching out to these people definitely took me out of my comfort zone. A lot of them are people that I hadn't spoken to in while, but it's been so long since I have released new music that I was curious to see who was interested and willing to be a part of my journey. Other than my Mom, Brother and Sisters, and immediate family, I had no idea who would actually respond and agree to help, but I was inspired and grateful for the number of people that replied and genuinely appreciated the idea.

For those that agreed, I sent them the album art along with instructions for how to post with my hashtags. The plan was people that I know, or am friends with on Facebook, but that I didn't reach out to, would see the artwork from other people in our shared network and create a little bit of buzz, and I believe it's working.

So thank you to every single person that participated in the release of my album art. I am so thankful to have done it this way because it was the first step in making that genuine connection with the people that are my true supporters. As per Week 8 of Music Success, I want to continue to get feedback from this core group of people. In my mind, if you shared this on your profile you have the right to help me mold and shape this music, so please reach out, leave comments, criticism, be active in this process so I can continue to keep you involved.

Manifest Hustle is the first of many new releases to come, but this release represents the making of the switch from music as a hobby to music as a profession. It's coming with a brand new website, and music video to kick everything off. In my mind, it is truly the tip of the iceberg and this is where the hard work actually starts. I'm not claiming to be the best rapper alive but I am claiming to be the best me. I built this vision through faith, positive energy, and pure hustle, and that is what I want people to sense when they see this artwork. I want to inspire people to manifest their hustle. Whatever that is, that dream, goal, life aspiration, I hope my music motivates something in you.

So thank you to:

Pat tepe
Ivey hedges
GTP Steele
Arron Campero
Amanda oWodrow
Xavier Sanchez
Jessica Campero
Joanne Salt
Jeff Holland
Youngace Fiveonethree
Scott LaKid
Josh mvi
Matt Heimbold
Mary Thomas
Issac Kabengele
Jimi Skwlkr
London Christopher Dicks
Mofab Bbr DoinHer
Christina Stegeman
Longway Longway
Aimee Collins
Oxlo Esastus
Kingsley Issac
Jason Opplinger
Candice Ross
James Frazier
Angie Campero
Nina Gibson
Brittney Miller
Carla Barwick
Mike Sexton
Shannon Loadholt
Savajedavis
Julia Ward
Kristen Allen
Ashton Belle
Nadja Glassel
Lisa Carnes

People are still tagging and posting as I type, if you're reading this and haven't got around to posting, please do! If you're someone who I forgot to reach out to, please message me, I'm still sending the artwork out for people to post.

How Rap Drew - Unveiling Culture

Shout out to the big homie Drew, I definitely appreciate his work. I'm gearing up for my Manifest Hustle vol. 1 release and don't really know what to expect, just trying to leave no stone unturned.

Weed and Weight Loss?

I found this article recently and since I have been thinking along the lines of investing in the marijuana industry it was interesting to read about this new potential intersection between industries.

Essentially the articles explains that a variant of TCH called TCHV could have incredible applications for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes because of it's appetite suppression side effects. There is not much science on it yet but since the weight loss and marijuana industries are both worth about $60 billion a year, it's definitely something to keep in mind.

It's clear that the medicinal qualities of marijuana are still being discovered. It's becoming more and more accepted as it becomes legal for medical use in more states across the country and across the world and I'm extremely excited by the Marijuana "Green Rush" in general. Obviously I love smoking weed, and making money so those two plus the possibility of it helping a lot of people with serious health issues makes it a God sent in my opinion.

Check out the full article here: Can CBDs Found in Marijuana Be an Alternative Treatment to Diabetes

How to Build Buzz by How to Rap Drew

How To Visualize Your Dreams Into Reality

Music Success in 9 Weeks: Week 8

Definitely trying to knock out this Music Success in 9 Weeks book before the release of my newest music. It's been a few years since I have put anything out, so I am really excited to have a real well-rounded product and I am using the content of this book to put my best foot forward when it comes to learning how to be successful right away. Now that we are in the final chapters, the information is all pretty new to me.

This chapter is all about creating a continuum program for your core fan base. In other words, getting them to buy from you consistently and repeatedly. And the first thing to note is that the following info will not be effective unless you have previously built relationships with your fans and they trust you. Most importantly is your email list.

Now it's time to create a Funnel that starts with your freebie (e.g. MP3 for email address) and gradually trickles down to more and more expensive offerings. What comes to mind first for me is merchandise. T-shirts, sweat pants, sox...I definitely see myself getting into the street wear game soon and I imagine my fans will be in tune with that vibe as well. As a higher tier continuum program for fans, I can see myself doing some kind of sneaker of the month club in which I design a T-shirt to match whatever Jordans are coming out and make it available only to those that pay the $2-$3/ month to be in the club.

The next subject Hyatt touches on is fan funding or crowd sourcing which you can create through websites like Indie GoGo, Kickstarter, Pledge Music and Rockethub. The key to being successful with fan funding is to set a reasonable dollar amount goal, know your fans, have a rapport with them, and recognize that it's just as much about their experience of being part of your community and the shared journey as it is about you reaching your goal. I did actually attempt a Kickstarter a while back and failed because at that time I didn't really understand that I needed to have a relationship with my fans and a foundation set in place prior to asking them for money.

Overall, I appreciate how this chapter clearly shows you how your music translates into financial success. It's teaching you how to convert your buzz into actual profit. I'm not quite ready to implement all of this but I know I will be ready when the time is right.

How to Buy and Sell Gold?

I definitely see myself becoming a millionaire inside of the next 5 years. I'm not 100% sure exactly how that's going to happen but I know internally that there will be some sort of investing involved; which brings me to today's post. 

As part of my positive affirmation and prosperous thinking exercises, I have been working to train my mind to think wealthy thoughts. Check out my recent blog on the youtube channel VYBO which is really helpful for creating these types of patterns. In my mind, a wealthy person would be thinking about investments, and to me, the current most valuable investments would be gold, the legal marijuana business and real estate. 

I've always been fascinated by gold, I really like wearing gold in the form jewelry. Since I was little I always said I wanted to wear a lot of gold and is something that I've alway associated with being rich and successful, but I want to be smart about how I buy it. My knowledge at this point consists of what I have learned from Youtube videos and my hope is that by writing this first blog about it as a novice I will be inspired to learn more and share the info with you guys. 

Coins are the quickest, fastest way for a beginner to start buying gold. It's easy to buy and sell and to keep. Some of the best ones are the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and American Gold Buffalo. It's important to note that not all coins are fine gold meaning they aren't 100% gold. Bars and ingots are the next level up and are more concentrated forms of the metal and are of course much more expensive.

First, you are always going to want to be aware of the prices and stay on top of it. I have an app on my phone called "Gold and Silver Price Now" that indicates the price of gold and silver in real time with charts and graphs. So now that you've researched bids and you're ready to buy you need to decide if you're going to buy online or go to a dealer. Be aware that the seller is going to have to make a profit so you'll pay a premium over the market price. 

That's about all I've got so far but I did buy this dope book from amazon called "GOLD: Everything You Need to Know to Buy and Sell Today" It's sort of like a children's picture book with a lot of pockets and pull outs, so it's easy to digest and is definitely a collectors item for a Gold enthusiasts. It's a good overview on how to buy and sell gold and includes a history of gold plus how to avoid counterfeit coins. More to come on the Gold topic, thanks again for reading.

Back On the Book! Music Success in 9 Weeks. Chapt. 7

My new music is coming very soon and I want to release this project in the smartest way possible so I decided to dive back into my Music Success in 9 Weeks book. If you've followed my blog you know that I have been keeping this book as a resource and sharing the information with you as I study and apply it.

Chapter 7 is all about creating a monthly email Newsletter. Apparently, email is still the best way to maintain fans and create revenue from them. However, you have to go about it in the right way. The author recommends building rapport with your email list by offering a free MP3 when then sign up, sharing personal (non-music related) experiences with them, inviting them to meet up with you, and asking them to participate in surveys so you can learn exactly what they want to hear from you.

When sending your Newsletter, keep your subject line short and include the person's first name. In the body of your newsletter tell a story and don't be afraid to be raw. Plan your topics ahead of time. Just like you do with your Blog in Chapter 6. Once you have built rapport, consistent communication and trust with your email list you can include a call to action like buy show tickets, merch items, or to buy your music online.

Building your email list will take time, but start by going through your inbox/outbox and inviting friends/ family/ people that you have previously connected with and email them to ask if you can add them to your list. Otherwise doing a list trade/ promo with another artist that may have a similar fan base to you is another strategy. For me, this part is exciting because I meet all kinds of people on the boulevard every day selling my CD and at least twice a day I meet someone who gives me their email address.

With my new project, Manifest Hustle vol. 1 I want to gain attention and also weed out who is not really a part of my true core fan base. I want to see how many actual fans I have. According to this book, 500 true fans is enough to get things really moving. This chapter is also really interesting because I have only had one fellow rapper ask to put me on his email list but I see how it is a real step towards being professional, building/keeping fans and creating revenue.

I see a lot of people going about it backwards, they finish the music, then post it on social media and try to get random people interested without having made any prior relationships. The key is, don't even try to sell anything to people until you have a list of targeted people who have some sense of who you are and trust you.

This chapter has a lot of great resources as far as where to go and how to make it happen like FanBridge, Nimbit and ReverbNation. Creating a monthly newsletter can be intimidating. For me I have so many different emails I'm a bit overwhelmed with the idea of going through them all for contacts, then deciding which address to have the Newsletter sent from, or do I create a new one entirely? These are my challenges but I'm confident I will figure it out. The advice the author gives is the block off about an hour each week to dedicate to building your email list. It's all about consistency. As always stay tuned! Music coming soon I promise!

How Did The Pink Dolphin Brand Get Started?

Shit I've been rockin Pink Dolphin for a few years, I never really knew too much about it, I just liked it. I've always been into bright colors and matching my shit up. It matches really well with my signature HUF weed socks. Now that I think about it's about time for me to go out and get a bunch of new Pink Dolphin shit.



I've always been into cool street wear brands, some others I like are Diamond Supply and Stussy and I also see myself having my own merchandise and street wear brand in the future. I like this guy's demeanor as he's telling you how it came about. He's being really nonchalant and casual but he's dropping jewels. He's saying straight up, if you're doing shows you better have a merch table because it will sell whether people know what they are buying or not. I came across this video a few days ago and was inspired so I wanted to share it with you guys.

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!!

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!

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!

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.