The Creative Process...

Son of Ran gives the audience a glimpse into the creative process of an emcee by putting a video together which covers the brain storming process, the set up process, and the method of recording a verse. I love the fact that Ran utilizes a post-it pad to channel quick thoughts. Shouts out to David for linking me to this dope video.

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FREE DOWNLOAD: Milk - Apollo Volume 2

Tonight I just got finished listening to some tracks from Milk's beat tape. 16 tracks delivered under 40 minutes is definitely something to zone out to. Get familiar with this dude!!!

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Milk Presents Apollo Volume 2

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FREE DOWNLOAD: Kenn Starr - It's All Real

Low Budget member Kenn Starr blesses the Internets with his latest project called It's All Real. Kenn is a dope lyricist who actually engages with the fans. I am double envious of his upcoming work with Peter Rosenberg and his project with Black Milk entitled Two Track Mind.

FYI: Back in the day Kenn attended a show where I was performing and I had no clue it was him until I started talking to him; he is a real humble dude.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Kenn Starr - It's All Real

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Quote of the Week: 7/23

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. - Mohandas Gandhi

This quote is special to me because I have been dealing with a lack of forgiveness lately. I understand that forgiveness is necessary in this life but at times I get tired of being used. A friend of mine suggested that I read Matthew 18:21-35 and that inspired this lovely quote. I have been blessed with the capacity to forgive people regardless of their transgressions.

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When Slam Dunks go bad...

This is very sad video depicting a nonathletic guy trying to dunk a basketball with the assistance of a trampoline. The guy did not come close to the rim haha, I mean five year olds have better coordination then this fool.

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Untitled Poetry 7.20.09

I am sitting here at the computer
unable to compute an idea
the light bulb is dim
so the thoughts are confined within

I apologize to those who follow me
I apologize for being a gnome to giants
I wish to buy property, without playing Monopoly
I wish to live lavish, but I have to be established

I sit at this computer, pondering life
I sit at this computer, pondering why I write
I sit at this computer, pondering the afterlife
can I obtain this paradise after life?

sometimes I think that it's fabricated depression
depressed because I have problems expressing
the reason I can't write, or the reason why I'm destined
the reason I feel alone, or the reason I seek affection

maybe success is based on CD sales or net hits
people want to try it for free before the trial period ends
I feel like the CD is distributed by Netflix

This is the day that I conquer this myth
writer's block is not an obstacle that can hamper this gift
the flow used to be fluid, now it seems useless
stalled like an inoperable Porta-potty or a dried up body of water with no movement

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Thad Reid ft. Akshan - Cruzin'

Thad Reid hit me with his latest song from his Paid Time Off EP called Cruzin' which features Akshan. This is the third song from the project which will lead to the release of the EP with 3 previously unreleased songs in the fall.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Thad Reid ft. Akshan - Cruzin'

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Se7en ft. Dre Robinson, M-Dot - G'd Up

EMS rapper M-Dot joins Se7en and Dre Robinson for a dope song called G'd Up. The track features production from Pauly Fingaz who creates a sonic backdrop for the three young rappers to destroy. Download M-Dot's M.oney D.oesn't O.wn T.hought mixtape here if you haven't already.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Se7en ft. Dre Robinson, M-Dot - G'd Up (prod. by Pauly Fingaz

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Quote of the Week: 7/16

You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
- Jack London

Sitting around and waiting for inspiration to occur will lead to a blockage of ideas, thoughts, and more thus prolonging writer's block. I have suffered from writer's block for eight months and I believe that it originates in the mind. Instead of seeking knowledge through reading, listening to different music, enjoying new activities, and more I usually sit and wait for inspiration to strike. Anthony Robbins states that "in life you either need inspiration or desperation." I vow to conquer inspiration and hopefully I will be able to write freely.

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Ani DiFranco ft. Spoonfull - Shy Remix

My homie Spoonfull showcases his versatility by adding to an already incredible song Ani DiFranco called Shy. Spoonfull is a talented individual who has new music in the works check out the video and get familiar with Spoonfull!!!

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Ani DiFranco ft. Spoonfull - Shy Remix

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Only on YouTube...

Only on Youtube can a red shirt sophomore player from Xavier (Jordan Crawford) gain legendary status from dunking on The King. The dunk must have been extraordinary because The King supposedly had a chat with Nike representatives to confiscate the footage. Fun fact: Jordan Crawford's brother Joe Crawford was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 NBA Draft and currently plays for the New York Knicks (hmmmmm)!!!

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Quote of the Week: 7/9

You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith. - Mary Manin Morrissey

I love this quote because I believe that it encompasses the depth of faith. I believe that faith is fueled by the premise or thought of failure or doubt. Someone who has strong faith will drown that doubt by utilizing positive self-talk, religious quotes, and confidence. Fear or doubt can arise when people listen to their friends, lack confidence, and disregard God's will for us to succeed.

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Dj Honda & Problemz - Crooks Give Back

Dj Honda and Problemz deliver an album of the year candidate with All Killa / No Filla. Dj Honda, of Traveling Man fame (Mos Def), is a phenomenal beat maker who should receive more notoriety. Problemz is a NY based lyricist best known for his work with Missin' Linx. Collectively they present an album that is full of lyricism and awesome beats. I have included a track from the album that I found while searching YouTube. If you enjoy the track please show your appreciation and purchase the album.

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Chanes - In My Own World

Here is a video from the homie Chanes, the message in this video revolves around a fictionalized world in the mind of the artist. The video is pretty nice and serves as a nice introduction to this artist from NY.

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Professor P. - Payin' Homage (What a Life)

This track is from Professor P's debut album called Patience. Professor P is a Swedish emcee that is known for his battle and freestyle ability. I love his album because I believe it encompasses my current view on the game and life in general. My mission is to shine light on slept on emcees and beat makers worldwide. Take a listen to Professor P. and hopefully you will respect his honesty.

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FREE DOWNLOAD: Revalation & Catalyst - The Killa Tape 09'

Happy 4th of July to all, I am in a giving mood and I decided to upload an album that was sent to my email by Revalation. The Golden Era of Hip-Hop was the inspirational force behind this album. The album takes you back in time where all your favorite tracks were combined onto one tape or CD (hence the name the Killa Tape). The Killa Tape has features from Praverb (me haha), EMS (M-Dot, Mayhem), Genevieve, Strick9, Tendency, and more and beats from Dj DviousMindz, Kenshin, SV, and more of your favorite up and coming producers. Listen to what Revalation and EMS Productions has to offer to the world of hip-hop.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Revalation & Catalyst - The Killa Tape 09'

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MJ Tribute or Mockery?

CFL receiver Arland Bruce supposedly does a end zone tribute to Michael Jackson (after scoring a touchdown) by lying down on the ground with his arms folded (think mummy haha). I understand what Bruce was trying to convey but it would have been easier to do the moonwalk or emulate Thriller dance moves. Unfortunately people will probably misinterpret the horrible celebration as a mockery of his death instead of celebrating his life.

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Factual Friday

+ Supposedly the Chicago Blackhawks signed Marcel Hossa to a 12 year deal. A 12 year deal!!! talk about planning for the future haha.

+ The Pistons reportedly signed Ben Gordon and Charlie Villenueva which proves that they will score a ton of points and play no defense.

+ Lmbo at Landon Donovan putting David Beckham on blast. The USA soccer star questioned the international stars heart, called him a cheapskate, and expressed that Beckham was not a leader. Dear Donovan, What did you expect haha, David Beckham was brought to your team to boost the popularity of MLS. Did it work? No but at least the MLS has a handful of stars haha.

+ Reports indicate that the Cavaliers are interested in Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest. WOW!!! thinking about how effective the defense will be with either player is scary.

+ Wondering when Joe Mauer will cool off...

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Thad Reid ft. K-Beta, Flip - Life Soldiers

Here is a brand new link to the 2nd installment of the "PAID TIME OFF" campaign titled, "Life Soldiers". Thad Reid delivers a track that features DMV stars K-Beta and Flip. The track is full of energy and spearheaded by a great display of lyricism. Thad Reid is a humble emcee who is poised to position himself amongst the upper echelon of DMV artists.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Thad Reid ft. K-Beta, Flip - Life Soldiers

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FREE DOWNLOAD: Frootloops: Follow Your Ears

The Album Frootloops, is a collaboration between Ritchcraft, Qwest, and Jansport J. Ritchcraft stated that he met them over Twitter and they decided to make a remix album. The album is a mix of new and old remixes that they have created over the past couple years. The name "Frootloops" was chosen because they all produce music utilizing the Fruityloops (FL Studio) program.

DOWNLOAD LINK
Frootloops: Follow Your Ears

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Quote of the Week: 7/2

Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today.
- English Proverb

I struggle with procrastination and I usually put things off until the next day. This English proverb will hopefully inspire people (including myself) to be more productive. Every Thursday I will include a quote of the week that will focus on a specific topic that I am having difficulty with.

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