So it’s that time again. In about 3 weeks, i’ll be moving to my new apartment. The spoiled part of me is not happy about the move at all. But the logical side realizes that it’s a necessary step and that i need to see the bigger picture. I just hate having to move all of my stuff (junk). It’s a HUGE hassle. One that I said I would never undertake again… but alas… I must go.
Dec
22
Hard Work
So shortly after Monie and 9th Wonder did their interview at XM awhile ago, she and I started texting/talking about trying to get her show on XM. At that point she was fresh out of the gig in Philly and itching to get back to radio somehow. True to form XM dragged their feet. Until she said the magic word (free) and the higher ups finally listened (since we had been saying free all along). At any rate, I set up the meeting and the ball finally started rolling. Fast forward a couple weeks and Monie and her crew come to DC to record the demo show. The show was GREAT and has been given the thumbs up. She has also asked me to book for the show for her if it came to fruition. I am in heaven. The prospect of leaving XM this summer has me a bit nervous because I felt like I would lose my contacts and access to contacts. With this development, however, it seems like I may be able to keep my foot in the door and maybe get back in upon my return. Merger be damned!!
A Nickname
When Filthy gave me this nickname back in ’05. I immediately liked it. Now I remember the significance of the name, but i don’t know why he was nicknaming me. At any rate, I like it and it stuck… or rather I made it stick. Either way, I like it. I jokingly told BJ that I was gonna push the nickname for about a year because i wanted everyone to know it. I know that probably sounds dumb as hell to most people and i can understand why but at the same time it makes perfect sense. The name does a couple of things. For those who pay close enough attention it provides an immediate look into my character and who i am. For those who are bad at remembering names, its something silly and catchy. It’s unique. I apologize if this is sounding arrogant. Unlike the chick in San Fran that I told to google me, I’m not really feeling myself like that… today. I’m just saying that by developing the persona associated with the nickname has allowed me to have something to hide behind and to put out there, without feeling like i’m letting too many people in.
Me
I’ve changed. I’m not on meds anymore (although I would like to get my hands on some). I’m managing to be more outgoing. I feel more well-adjusted. A lot less like an outcast. I’m taking chances I wouldn’t normally take and although I’m a little nervous, I’m not afraid. I’ve spent the last year and a half working to create a career of sorts for myself. Bringing artists to XM, making my own contacts, putting myself in a position where i can hopefully get back to the music business that i had managed to fall out of love with. I’m also making huge strides in the law school arena, so that if the music-related stuff doesn’t pan out, i have something else to do. In 2008 i want to focus on finding a little more direction. It’s nice to want to do something music related, but now i want to come up with something definite. All I know is, I’m happy. Happier than I’ve been in awhile. I’m gonna keep this train moving til it reaches whatever destination it was meant to reach.
Dec
21
This interview is pretty damned hilarious. Unfortunately it also reminds me how painfully shy i am and how much i hate the sound of my voice
either way, enjoy
http://proghiphop.com/downloads.html
Dec
20
my 32nd bday is *right* around the corner.
2007 has been an amazing year. I’ve excelled at work, school, life, love, just in general. I’m happy and i honestly enjoy my life. I’ve worked hard and watched some very important projects come to fruition. I knew i wanted to be make Law Review… did that. I’ve been trying to get this show on XM for what seems like a million years… it’s been greenlighted. I wanted to spend time in San Fran… did it and managed to drive cross country too… Landed two law-related jobs for next year, paid off a significant chunk of debt… it’s just a good feeling.
2008 looks like it could be more of the same. 3 semesters left of law school, another summer in san francisco… i dunno… just a lot going on. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some MAJOR stumbling blocks but i ain’t dwellin on that shit. It’s just too taxing.
I’m realizing that no matter how much i try to deny it, my parents’ health is fading. I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to pull together family records and information because once they’re gone so does just about all of my ties to the rest of the family. It bothers me a lot that I’m just realizing how important it is for me to learn more about my family. I used to just think that as long as i had my parents, siblings and their families, it was enough but now i want to know everything. Hopefully I’ll be able to pull a bunch of stuff together for them
Dec
07
Ok, so this isn’t gonna be a “deep” blog.
When i was little, I went to school in Georgetown. Our school was pretty diverse but mostly white. So, in a lot of ways I grew up “white”. From the way I talked to the music i listened to… to the peroxide i put in my hair… to the mousse that i tried to use for my bangs… white white white.
Now i will say that i thoroughly enjoyed growing up. I was exposed to all types of things so I don’t regret it. My issue, however, is with my rhythm… or lack of rhythm.
To be fair, i believe it may be a hereditary condition. My dad doesn’t have rhythm and neither does my niece. It’s who we are. But it became rather apparent to me last night at the Stones Throw show. There are certain rappers, in my opinion, that make a career out of rhyming slightly off beat… at least i think they are… maybe i just don’t hear the best right. At any rate, Madlib is one of those ppl… at least i think he is… it may just be me. Anyway, at various points of the night i would just be offbeat. It made me sad… frustrated and even confused. I dunno why i can’t find the beat, but i often find that not being able to do so leads to being told that I’m not “black”
Now I know that a lot of stuff like that is said in jest and I’m cool with it. But there is definitely the notion that true black folks have rhythm… and well I don’t. It can be shameful. Back when i used to go to the club like 4 times a week i would be very careful when i danced for fear that i’d get off beat at some point.
Despite my lack of rhythm, i enjoyed last night’s show. Madlib, Percee P, Guilty Simpson, MED, and Peanut Butter Wolf all ripped it. I’m really working to get back into music these days. I’ve been away from it for awhile and I hate that finding music has become such a labor intensive process now, but I want to get back to it so I’ll be making an effort.
Gangsta Mittens 