Mr. Button's Lesson

So I saw Brad Pitt's new move 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button' a couple days ago. I loved it but I hope everyone really got the message (at least the one I got). Life is too short to not live it to the fullest. Getting older is in essence getting younger, all that matters is how much you did in between. His curiosity of the world led him on so many adventures, showed him love, pain & happiness. I think at the end of it all if your curious enough to leave no stone unturned then you'll leave no room for regret. Chase your dreams and embrace the heartache that will sometimes accompany it.
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This Year's Grinch

It's looking like another lonely xmas in LA this year. It's so crazy watching all my friends go home and seeing everyone with their family's around this time. I just gotta stay focused and remember what I'm here for...it's a pretty depressing time though. The comforting factor is that it won't be for long, actually this should be my last year not being able to go home for the holiday's. Hopefully...

Cliff Jumping

Went to church today...second week in a row that I've been back and today's word was amazing. Made me realize that I'm not running shit, I'm just playing my part in this whole scheme of things. I love the current state of my life, I feel myself entering a new era and it's an exciting thing. Us music types set out to do the unthinkable...chase our dreams, something that most people deem impossible and then get suprised when it's actually hard. I love this whole process cause I know what it's going towards...all the rewards aren't worth it without the hardships.

Kanye West Interview

Yo, this is how anybody who calls themselves an artist needs to think. Learn to challenge yourself, never get comfortable cause the moment you stop growing is when you stop living!

Noise

Yes! I've achieved my goal of getting the ball rolling and causing enough noise to garner some attention. After struggling to pull the pieces of together to make it work and overcoming ALL challenges that I encountered. It feels good to hear that one person who's smart enough to say "I like it and want it"! Whew, self doubt is such a easy place to slip into when you've got people not responding to your work or worse telling you it's "not your gift". I'm just glad I've stayed focused and determined...I thank God for giving me that kind of endurance. Also for making me hard headed enough to not listen to the people I love and look up to who told me I can't do it. No love was lost over your lack of faith cause without that I wouldn't have gone through what I had to in order to reach ths place.

FRED - This is funny

This guy is the 4th most subscribed channel on Youtube in history!This video alone has been viewed 11.8 million times.

That Shit

Yo, this is turning out to be one of those years and it might be closing out really strong for me. I switched up the team a bit...the new writing partner is Bluu and he's a fucking phenomenal writer/vocal producer. Together we got some new heat that's def causing some noise...enough to maybe get some placements! Thanks to all my friends/fam for their support and prayers, as all of you know trying to make this dream happen in LA is close to impossible. Thank God I'm hardheaded to not take "impossible" setbacks as a sign to quit. I love music and am falling deeper everyday...this is def a different high than poetry. I still write but I don't crave the mic anymore...the day's of performing are over for me at least for now. After I get on my feet in the music world I may release a book of my poetry...but that will be when I'm at a place that it can truly be a labor of love and not one of necessity.

Alone

Life is hard cause the harsh reality of this whole game is that we're each all alone. Occasionally you'll meet someone who trust you enough to share their heart with you...but a lot of life will be spent in your own world. That's why so many people exert an enormous amount of energy trying to desperately connect with people. Living out here has taught me that lesson...above all else people will take care of themselves first. In my naivete I believed that at least the people I loved the most would do all they could to have my back. I have embraced that I am my own rock...I do have people in my life who love me and don't like to see me go through hard times but at the end of the day when times do get hard I am going through it, not them. In so many ways that has made me a stronger person and helped me grown into a man. Nobody can take credit for anything I accomplished nor can they stop me from getting where I'm going. I am 24 and have never had a substantial relationship...though I often say I wish for one deep down inside I know the reason. I am a loner, my entire life I've felt separate from everyone around me...always finding myself alone in a crowded room.

Rush Week!

Ugh! I have so much to say about this past week. It started off great with a wonderful first time session with Soulshock & Carlin in which we blew their minds. Then I had to go and over do it by booking myself a acting gig in Palmdale on Tuesday night and a session on Thursday morning. Well needless to say we were shooting till 8am tuesday and on the way back to LA I got into a horrible car accident. After catching my breathe from getting hit by the airbag and handling biz wit the CHP I went straight to my session. Throughout the rest of the week was drama with a writing partner and visits to the hospital. Through this experience I learned patience and more importantly the consequences of trying to rush through life. There is no rushing this process, for any of us that are chasing dreams. We have our sights set on accomplishing what many have deemed as impossible...and sometimes trick ourselves into thinking it'll happen quickly. One side of this is that in pushing yourself too hard you can and probably hurt yourself. And two, you will forget to "live", and in doing so drain yourself of the inspiration that comes with the joy of living. I hope everyone takes time to walk outside, have dinner and drinks, and make lots of love. That way when we all bump into the studio to work it will be a natural flowing labor of love. Embrace the grind and love life and it will embrace and love you back!

It's Happening!

Been a minute, but that's cause it's been a crazy busy time for me. I got my first acting gig last friday and ended up stuck in Palmdale due to the fires. Then monday I had my first session with Soulshock & Carlin (google em) which went great! The asked me to come back for the rest of the week :) now it's back to the grind and keeping this momentum going. I finished an amazing record today...one that I've put a LOT into and it's really special to me! I'm just excited bout everything and hope it keeps moving cause it's been a long time coming! Peace & Love
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Moral Of The Story

What makes people special? I've often felt different, not better, just different than other people. I'm just a nigerian american kid that grew up bouncing between the south side and midtown area's of Kansas City. I was sometimes a genius, sometimes a delinquent, a loving brother, and sometimes bad son. I went to school at a boy's home and was in the military by the age of 16. I started writing and quickly fell in love with poetry which led to a short career as a spoken word artist. For as long as I can remember one of the few times I'm happy is when I can grab a pen and pad and get lost in a new story or lyric. I became a songwriter when I realized if I could learn to add melody to my poetry I could reach accomplish my dreams of success. I now live in Los Angeles and am working hard to make my mark in the music industry. I think stories heal and since lyricism went on vacation, I wanna help bring back the healing power of stories in music. Even though I'm just getting started the voyage already feels unreal. People I used to watch on tv I'm now friends with or work with. Along with this excitement comes an incredible amount of pressure, it's not everyday you get to realize your fantasy.
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Dreams

So I've been milling over the disturbing news of record executive Shakir Stewart's death. He's someone whose biography inspired me to hustle harder and accomplishments represented the light at the end of the tunnel. What was most alarming was that he had apparently achieved his dream and had all most men would want...at least as far as we could see. His family has said he was "in a dark place" the past few weeks and seemed very depressed. This is a reminder that we all need to do everything we can to stay grounded...and show the one's we love that we LOVE them. Most of us spend so much time achieving our dreams that we fail to make sure we are mentally prepared for what comes with that success. That's why so many people crack, that pressure is crazy. Dave Chappelle said it best, "weak people don't make it to the top in this industry!" I always tell people that pressure does one of two things, bust pipes or create a diamond. Also, sometimes we have friends who have "made it" and assume that they have everything. Let's not forget the power a simple "I love you" holds or just simply letting someone know your there for them.
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Angel's

You know, as much stuff as I talk about people I have to deal with...I am really lucky to have angel's in my life. My select few friends that I never have to watch with my "third eye", who are so close a blood relation wouldn't make a difference. Some of my closest angel's are the Seals family, these people have been very instrumental in changing my life. By just loving me for me and being strong enough to stand to the side and let me grow into a man. They entered my life at a pivotal point where I had decided to change...and just needed a conducive environment that would support that change. I LOVE them as dearly as my own parents, brothers, and sisters and will repay them with a lifetime of love and show them the success they helped facilitate. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
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Flakes

When did it become cool to be a flake. I'd like to say it's an "LA thing" but nobody here is from LA. It seems like people just aren't accustomed to being dependable and have gotten used to taking people for granted. What makes it worse is when the excuse/reason is blatantly lame. You don't owe me anything so no need to make up a reason...just don't lead me on into thinking something's going on when it isn't. That goes for personal and business relationships. I make it a point to not flake on people, when I make an appointment I stick to it or give you the courtesy of a call in advance of our meet time to cancel. People need to stop blowing people off until they think they need them cause when that moment comes they all act surprised when your not there for them. It's about to be a really cold winter for a lotta people around me.
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Jonas Brothers

LOL, These dudes are getting it!

Jonas Brothers - Lovebug - Official Music Video

Music

I really can't wait for everyone to hear my music. I've been doing a lot to build up some crazy momentum so something should break through really soon. I feel it in my gut that the bubbles bout to bust. It's really motivating to be surrounded by people with genius mindsets like Brian Kennedy, Wakil, Charli, Davix, Dre Merrit, and many more. Soon & very soon I will be able to post some music so stay tuned. If you have anything new send it to me and share your new sound!

Coldest Winter

I can't wait to hear this album!

Roger's Bday

Hey, it's my friend Roger's bday. We're at Vivian's having breakfast and celebrating 22 years of life!
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Just visiting

I'm always meeting new people and getting involved in interesting relationships. Most of the time the only thing we have in common are the struggles we're going through. It's always bittersweet because though it's always nice to not go through anything alone...I have no intentions on staying in this phase much longer. Soooooo many people spend their entire lives in one phase, lusting for the next, lacking the talent to progress. I have no intentions on getting comfortable at any level but the top, not even gonna unpack till I get there lol. Not to say I've reached some impossible level of talent. I'm just determined to aggressively attack my art until I am the best. All of my friends really mean a lot to me and I hope they all achieve their dreams...cause I'm just visiting.
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24

I just had my 24th birthday. Surprisingly I spent the day by myself but not alone. I was crowded by thoughts of all that's going to happen within the next year and all I accomplished in the past. I successfully set a stage on which I will "perform" and kick started the momentum that will carry me to success. I spent most of 23 studying the art of song writing and formally introduced my music to my peers. I grew as a writer, brother, son, friend, and above all I became a man. My hardships have given me a new appreciation for my name, which means "by the grace of God", which I've worn as a vest of protection against failure. My faith has increased as has my ego for I know there isn't anyway I did this on my own. Being alone has increased my appreciation of family and opened my eyes to false friends. All illusions have been broken and blinders removed. I am ecstatic about the 24th year of my life as I finally feel prepared to "show my chops". I want to thank everyone who has supported me, I love you, and hope you stick around to witness what the grace of God is about to do! God bless
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Hollywood

Hollywood to so many people is a catalyst for transformation. A that allows many souls from meager beginnings to blossom into the Mogul they dream to be. It's an interesting thing to watch this change in people take place. As they work so hard to shed their former selves the second they set foot in Hollywood. Most people begin this crusade with no clear destination and ultimately achieve the goal of losing their former selves, while sadly becoming no one. Hollywood has cultivated a need to "become someone" instead of encouraging us that we already are somebody. Millions of kids living in the midwest and south, suffer from imaginations that are set ablaze with visions of grandeur. The exaggerated success of a select few is bittersweet, because though we're happy for them it reminds us what we haven't done. So we set forth to achieve more and in the process subjecting many of ourselves to an insane existence. Girls are convinced to change how they dress and talk. Consequently men forget the chivalry we were taught to live by. Drugs are used to numb the pain of transformation along with many other vices. Living here has shone a new light on the differences in people. Living in an environment when at any given moment the everyone is willing to do anything to win. Where your not the only "special" person as you might been back home. Where everyone can sing, is beautiful, acts, writes, etc. . This is a land where part of the survival kit is head shots (I've definitely got mine). There is always the urge to stay on top of your game so the next person won't beat you to the finish line. Which for many of us is the competitive edge we need but for others ends up being a destructive force. The incredible amount of energy to fuel that drive is many times exhausting. While simultaneously the thrill of coming so close to accomplishing something so rare is exhilarating! To walk in a room full of people your age attempting to do what you do and know your still gonna win, cause no matter what your gonna make sure it's better than their's...is at time's the only comfort on the cold streets of sunny California. I guess I felt compelled to write this because of a book I'm reading. It talks about how the motivation for inventing Hollywood was assimilation. The 1st studio magnates were determined to transform themselves into the kind of aristocrats they envied. This made me think of everyone I see everyday that is trying to do just that. And, the irony of that same motivation being carried out for over a century.
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T.I. - Swagger Like Us

This is gonna be my Fall anthem...definitely one of the best collabs of the year!

Faith

It sucks when the people you love show no faith in you. Probably because their opinions about you are the only one's that mean somethong to you. it happens to all of us, family and friends at some point in your career when you really need them to...fail to believe in you. One of my pet peeves is when people look from the outside and tend to judge after viewing a moment in time and not seeing the full scene. I've been called an alcoholic after my family saw me having 2-3 drinks while partying, but didn't know the month I did nothing but work. Been called an "amateur" at songwriting and told to slow my roll, but they didn't see the years I spent preparing myself. Had my deeply thought out plans deemed "aimless" when they had no idea how much time I spent carefully calculating my moves. All of this cuts deep when coming from those who I not only love but respect. I know it's only human to see something and go with the first emotion that image gives you. But what seperates humans from animals is the power of thought, the ability to filter your emotions through your intelligence. People should use words carefully because more thab any retalliatory action they do the most damage. If someone you love is pursuing something and you have a doubt of their sincerity then question them, look in their eye & monitor their progress carefully before you deny them your support. I don't expect any handouts from anyone and am not too pridefull to take advice. The only insult is when you put so much into something and the people you expect to believe in you belittle your devotion. We all have differences but that's what makes us unique and also accepting peoples differences is part of what defines real love. If someone has a critique about how I live my life I'm open to listen just in case I am doing something wrong and will incorporate your lesson immediately. Just please do your homework before you shoot down my ideas, work, plans, or anything else you might question. I take full credit for everything I've done wrong and apologize for it just as well as I acknowledge all the good things I've done (and to the haters I apologize for those as well). I've grown immensly from the level I was at when certain mistakes were made (not to say I don't have many more to make!) But if you continue to hold all of my wrongs against me as an anchor after I've cut them loose...then you'll end up the only one being held back. I love my family and select few friends dearly, let's not hold each other back when we should be breaking bread together. No serious offense was taken I just had to get this off my chest in a forum that allowed me to be heard. I love you all and thanks for everything! God Bless

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Milestones

I love the sense of progress that passing a milestone makes you feel. 2008 will definitely go down as a milestone year in my life. After going through so many battles in LA I am finally doing what I came hear to do...music! I spent such a long time getting on my feet and building relationships that there was often a question of when I was gonna stop "getting ready" and actually start working. I think so many people stay stay still waiting on the perfect time to come to them and are suprised when a year later they haven't experienced any growth. I am a firm believer that growth doesn't occur until you are confronted with new obstacles and elements which will only happen outside of your "comfort zone". We all have friends who want more but haven't or may never see it because they are afraid to take what many refer to as a "leap of faith". The irony is that surviving that leap depends on your faith in yourself, so in not taking it you show no faith that you CAN accomplish your dreams. We all battle with fear...fear is what makes you double check everything so you don't make a dumb move. I embrace fear, hardships, risk, and a lot of things that most people cower from. Each time I conquer an obstacle it marks a personal milestone that I celebrate passing. I believe in doing what other's won't do today so I can do what other's can't do tomorrow. There are so many doors opening up for myself and the people around me that I felt the need to reflect on how important milestone's are. I hope everyone continue's to push themselves to achieve the dreams, just don't feel bad about turning around and taking a look at what you built. That's what makes it worthwhile...God Bless
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This Week's newest Coolwalk to

LMAO! Ladies and Gents...Killer Willard!

Keri Hilson

She's a beast. Renowned songwriter/singer Keri Hilson is a founding member of the writing supergroup The Clutch that's responsible for countless hits. She's one of my favorites and here's why

Chief Wakil - Hero Remix

Greatness

What's wrong with being great? I was raised to know my worth, take pride in my work, and never walk with my head down. For some reason it's become unpopular to believe in your own greatness. Weren't we all told by our parents that we can do WHATEVER we want? I'm not talking about being arrogant, we are all equally as important as the next person. There has never been a person in history who accomplished a great thing who didn't believe they were a great being. There are those who become extremely uncomfortable around people who are confident in themselves and their talents. I totally understand and sympathize if your not comfortable with yourself. But, don't expect me to tone down my talent and slow my momentum to make you feel better. Now before anyone jumps to conclusions, I am not tryna make it seem like I've made it which is exactly my point. YES I'm just getting my start as a writer YES I'm struggling YES I do believe I'm great based on my current talent and what I'm determined to grow into as a writer. I know exactly how successful I will be and what my success will be in. I enjoy my struggles cause without them my story would be boring and lack many hard earned lessons. I guess that's why bird's of a feather must flock together cause a pigeon will forever be uncomfortable in the company of an eagle. I love everyone and hope that you all know and accept your greatness....despite your current situation your success is just that, YOURS and no one can take what's yours! See ya'll at the top!
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Ms. Stephanie Kyoko is what I call a "LADY", she holds a masters degree along with 2 bachelor degree's and is extremely close to aesthetic perfection. Hopefully we cross path's very soon

Latest Cool Walk to Chief Wakil's - "So cool"

Sunday's

I love Sunday's. I'm in the studio working and had to stop and appreciate how beautiful this day is and how fortunate I am! I've learned a lot of valuable lessons over the past year and a half. One of the most important being that despite the signs of all the potential you possess... nobody really believes in you until you deliver on that potential. It's been such an amazing month with all the work that we've been doing. I spent so much of my time in LA helping people with their projects that after a while I realized nobody knew what I did, they just liked having me around. As nice as it is being liked it's a lot better to be appreciated. So I decided to kick everything up a notch and really start getting myself out there as a songwriter and making sure EVERYONE heard my music. What was funny was that even the people that knew I was a writer were extremely surprised when they heard my songs. I remember how even I had a moment of shock when I sat everyone down and played my first song and "THEY LIKED IT!" Not that I didn't believe in myself but after not doing something for so long it's almost like your hearing yourself for the first time all over again.

"Everybody" - Bentley feat. Andre 3000 & Kanye West

The Life

Finally! I'm doing what I moved all the way to Los Angeles to do...write songs! Feels so good to be in the studio letting out all that's been building up for the past year and a half. Of course you know I'm putting in some serious studio time with my boy Brian Kennedy as well as some other extremely talented writers & producers that I'm very blessed to be in company with. The goal for this year is to get my 1st placement and make sure 2009 is mine.
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Getting Started

Hey everybody, thanks for coming to check out my blog. June was a crazy month me and my friends as we've been achieving so much collectively between my boy Brian getting the singles to Rihanna and Chris Brown (check the credits!) along with a million upcoming projects coming up! Now I understand why people work so hard, because each person you meet that you look up to sparks a new level of inspiration that pushes you. July is gonna be a crazy month as I'm really cranking up the time I'm spending in the studio cause I'm determined to get my 1st placement! Stay posted for new music I'm gonna be posting as well as exclusive video footage featuring me and some of my friends.