A piece of my mind...

My first official mixtape, "Peace Of Mind", will eventually be up on iTunes for a free download. We're aiming for a late February release... Until then, I'll be posting cuts that didn't make the mixtape along with various freestyle videos over random instrumentals that I like. I'll also be updating you on who I've been working with and any new developments as far as my artistic career is concerned.

This week I have a few studio sessions lined up with an extremely talented producer who goes by the name of Professor O (I call him P.O), Idan Kalai, and meetings with DJ David Dann and an anonymous record label A&R (anonymity = protection).

Erika E, who is currently in Argentina, is helping with the cover art for the mixtape. But I'd also like to say that she's singing on two of the tracks. Alex Hoffman-Ellis, a rapper-turned-D1athlete, just laid down the ONLY rap feature on my entire mixtape so far...

*Louis Adeyemi, Alex Hoffman-Ellis and I @ our first 100.3 The Beat performance back in early 2005*

I'm thankful for:

- The health of everyone I know... including myself (Thank you Dr. Posek for a successful surgery).
- The ability to express myself through Music & Poetry on a big stage.
- The beautiful women in my life (Mom, Grandma, Aunt Suri, my babi, Erika E, Morrinator, B and the list goes on...)
- Having such a tight knit circle of friends. They're the reason I'm so well grounded.
- Eating good... and drinking even better ;)
- My father -- a man who gave up his vision in exchange for impeccable foresight.

I'm far from religious but I'd like to wish everyone a happy holiday season. Make the best of these times, as you'll never be able to get them back.

One love

P.S. That's a painting that my girl did a little while back.... of herself ;)

What an experience...

I still remember buying tickets to this show...

Being able to actually support something you truly believe in is a great feeling. Nothing better than getting lifted, eating fried chicken and watching Drake murder it in your hometown.

"If '09 is when I'ma see mine
Being cool ain't enough, homie I'ma freeze time"

Paying homage

My two favorite athletes. Unfortunately enough, neither of them have won the big game. I think that's all about to change though...

Inspiration

http://www.iranian.com/NaficyMajid/2007/July/LosAngeles/index.html

Not many individuals have the ability to inspire me. Yet this stubborn man never ceases to amaze. I've never actually told him how I feel because I think it goes without being said.

But WITH that said....

Thank you Dad

Soundtrack to my life

http://usershare.net/0vcdrummd8i1

^ One of my favorite A.Keys songs.

Un-thinkable (I'm Ready) written by Drake and co-produced by 40.

My heart

... is in several different places. After spending a lot of time revisiting a couple of Usher's classic albums -- 8701 and Confessions -- I've come to the conclusion that you shouldn't do ANYTHING unless your hearts in it (cliche, right?). With that said, the only reason I'm still going to school right now is:

1) To ensure that my Mother doesn't have a heart attack
2) Because otherwise, I would still be living in my Father's apartment
3) I'm not completely sure if I'm ready to approach this music thing with full force.

My Mom is returning from a 6 month hiatus and I ultimately have to consider her health before making my final decision. But even if I completely disregard her opinion/support, which many say is foolish, I would still have to deal with the fact that my producer is a full-time model/"waiter". Unfortunately, neither of us have the funds to actualize our dreams without sacrificing the majority of our day to a 9-5. So should I quit school and give up a "good education," FREE government money (thank you Dad), and the opportunity to study abroad for two quarters? My rational mind says no -- FUCK no. The entertainment industry, along with the economy, is essentially in a stand still unless you're a certain Black Canadian Jew. On the flip side, that isn't a sentiment to my confidence in our music; my heart, soul, and passion point to the opposite side of the spectrum. I keep hearing that nothing can stop us if we put in the effort.

Reading over this post has made me realize that I have already subconsciously made my decision. So I want to take the time to apologize to the individuals who will have to wait another 18 months to experience our sound. But no worries, I've been told the initial sacrifice is the most painful one.

I sure hope so...

Time

First and foremost, I'd like to welcome you all to our blog/vlog. We're ultimately going to document our thoughts on music, fashion, sports, food, politics... and yes, religion (amongst other controversial subject matter). This project has been discussed for a few weeks now and I decided to jump start it tonight. Picking Rai up from LAX made me realize how fast our lives are changing; the traditional Thanksgiving dinners at his Mom's old house on 21st have turned into 6 hour return flights from JFK. We aren't kids anymore and time is of the essence. It seems like everyone is trying to get heard nowadays but I'm sure you're all aware of how supply and demand works. I guess it's a good time to mention that we specifically created this blog to serve as our claim to fame (so much for my artistic integrity).

With that in mind, why do we deserve to be on the main stage?

I'll leave you with a phrase that you'll eventually get accustomed to: because we're different.