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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