Direction

You would like to think that in a perfect world your life has nothing but good in it. That there is some ultimate plan that will make your life worth living. Give meaning to an otherwise monautanous lifestyle. But there are times when that hope leaves us, and we feel lost. The direction we once has changes...and we are stuck on the roads of life with no map. What was once security now turns to uncertainty...and the only way to get anywhere is by trial and error. I for one hate the feeling of not knowning wut things lie in store for me. The people you bring into your life, the choices we make as people, and the direction we choose to go everday is no different than christopher columbus thinking he found america. When in reality it was already found. Just not by himself. If that makes sense. In closing i think that we just have to take things as they come...and if they work out they work out. If they do not...there are plenty of other directions life has to offer. What is your direction?

Do you believe?

*Name This Rakim Song*

Sip the juice cuz I got enough to go around And the thought takes place uptown I grew up on the sidewalk where I learned street talk And then taught to hawk New York I go to Queens for queens to get the crew from Brooklyn Make money in Manhattan and never been tooken Go Uptown and the Bronx to boogie down Get strong on the Island, recoupe, and lay around. Time to bulid my juice back up- Props back up, suckers get smacked up Don't doubt the clout, you know what I'm about Knocking rappers off, knocking rappers out Shaking em up, waking em up Raking em up, breaking em up... Standing on shaky grounds too close to the edge Let's see if I know the ledge

A brand new morn, no time to yawn Shower's on, power's on Late for school, I catch the train Girls sip "Cristal" and whisper my name I push up like an exercise, Check the intellect and inspect the thighs Select the best one, pull her to the side Keep her occupied for the rest of the ride Read my resume she's know I'm 'ready cool Just meet me after school, We can moan and groan until your mom come home , And you be calling me Al "dope" Capone. Sweatin' me, she didn't want to let me loose- Come get me, that's if you want to sip the juice Cause the streets await me, so I take my gun off safety Cause alot of rappers hate me Coming out of the building, they set me up Sprayed wit automatics, they wet me up In a puddle of blood, I lay close to the edge I guess I didn't know the ledge.

The Grind

Whatever you choose to do in life you better be passionate about it. If you expect all that life has to give to come to you, your mistaken. The winners go out and take what they want. The people who don't, end up looking at the people who do. Find something you love or can be passionate about and do it like your life depended on it. Trust me...tangible results will start to show and all that hard work will get you places you never thought you could go. Put in that grind work...

Do you believe?

Wednesday...Whenever i encounter writers block i try and surround myself with new material. I read alot and reread some of the books that i find creativley stimulating. I had someone ask me yesterday of how i stay creative. Well ive been under the gun the last few weeks getting ready for the new Organotz Mixtape, and i wanted to write at least 12 new songs to be ready to record for them. I started reading Makievelli The Prince again, which basically is a hand held guide or rulebook to aspiring tyants. Its one of those books that really helps you become a thinker and think with a leaders mind. Its one of those books that help you develop foresight. For instance the majority of people out there do and dont think...they make the impulse choice. But they do not realize the complications or implications of their choices. This book helps you develop that wall to prevent the impulse choices from happening. Aight anyway so enough of that...lol but i do suggest that book, The Art Of War, 48 Laws of power, and confessions of a economc hitman.

Do you believe?

~The Good~

Tuesday...Thanksgiving is coming up and i started thinking about why people celebrate the holidays that they do. Like really think about the true meaning of thanksgiving and what it represents. And to be honest i dont know that i agree with it. The way its made out to be...is Native Americans and Pilgrims were sitting at the table breaking bread...when in truth the Pilgrims ransacked and pillidged Native American Tribes and Villages...raping there woman. Another holiday Easter and Christmas. I mean i was raised on these holidays. But like Xmas is a Christian holiday that i grew up celebrating, but my family isnt religious really. They dont go to church etc etc. So i started thinking that the concepts that they instill are good, even though one might not believe in the belief behind it. When i was young xmas was a time for family, gift giving, food and good spirits. It wasnt religious to us, but the good values i came away with by celebrating it was good for building character. So in the end i say that you can take good away from all things...even if you dont agree with the reasoning or belief behind it. Just understand what your celebrating...knowledge is power. The more you understand the less ignorant you become.

Do you believe?

~A Moment~

I was walking down the street the other day and I had a moment with a complete stranger. Now in this moment no words were exchanged, but it was one of those things where we both saw the same thing funny. Being that it's just winter in New York, it's starting to get cold and windy. During the winter people tend to bundle up to the point of creating their own environment inside their scarf and big hooded jackets. But on this day it was different. It was cold but I still had my hood down. There was this woman walking in front of me, and there was this big empty clear garbage bag that was blowing in back of her courtesy of the wind. So we're walking; Me, the clear bag, and then the woman. The entire way down the block the bag was following her. If she moved left.the bag would blow left. When she moved right.the bag moved right with her. You know that moment when you're by yourself and you smile thinking that no one is around you? Well this woman had one of those smiles goin on. But when she turned to look at the bag, she realized I was smiling with her at the situation. I thought that was intresting though, because that's a great metaphor for life. Sometimes were so wrapped up in our own little worlds, bundled in our "Jackets and Scarves" so to speak, that we miss the things that are going on all around us. And sometimes it takes something as small as a laugh with a stranger to remind us that when your down, you will always come back up.

Well you know what they say."When your down your really down. And when you're up you're really up". But it doesn't always have to be that way. I think one of the great parts of maturing, is understanding more than you did about life and how it works. When I was younger I used to get stressed out when things didn't go my way. I think we all can relate to that in some form. People deal with stress on different levels. But now when things aren't that great, I can take solice in knowing that as bad as it is or it gets, there will always be something to smile about, something to be positive about. Sometimes you just gotta take a step back and be content with the good things that are in your life, instead of focusing on the bad.

Do you believe?

...It'll be wut it is...

When it comes to relationships, nothing ever comes easy. Being that there are so very few people out there that are actually worth including in your life, we must make sure that when we have those people in our grasps that we find a way to keep them there. These are the people worth changing your life for. These are the people who not only leave a lasting impression on us, but help us be better human beings. They bring something out of us that no friend can bring out. They know a side of us that only they have the opportunity of seeing. They are the one who make you happiest and hurt you the worst. They are the one who makes you rip your hair out in frustration, but take you above the clouds when things are as they should be. And for that reason they are valuable.

But is it all worth it? There is no correct answer to that question. Each person has to look at what they have, figure out where they wanna be, and how that significant other factors into where they are going. For myself, i am someone who knows what he wants. There is no confusion, there are no games with me. Ive been through it all and through trial and error ive found what works best for me. But the inclusion of someone who doesnt operate how you do, takes some getting used to. It takes comprimise. It takes sacrifice. It means going to the end of the earth and back, because we know that along that jouney, they'll be right by our side doing the same. But nothing comes easy. If it did we would never be able to appreciate that special someone. I mean without pain how can we know pleasure. Without hate how can we know love. And without giving how could we appreciate getting. We could not. Which is why no matter how tough things get at times, we must keep a level head and look at the big picture. Because we know that it can't rain forever. That the morning after the storm, the sunshine is that much more brilliant. And if we are patient enough to tolerate the storm, without making rash decisions when we are angry, then it will make you that much stronger together. I mean why do you think makeup sex is so passionate?!? Becuase we come to that breaking point, and instead of taking the easy way out and giving up, we work it out because we know that other person is worth it.

And sometimes we dont realize what we have until its gone. That is the worst thing that can happen. The feeling of regret. The feeling of what if? The thought of losing something that could have been so good for us. We should never let that happen. Therefore we should treat it as such. When you lose things in life, you learn from it. For the next time, you learn that when you do have something worth having, you give it your all to make it work. You give it your everything to make it happy. I always say that i dont have the luxery of not having good people in my life. And if you give half ass effort, your gonna get half ass results, and i know i could never be proud of anything i didnt do to the best of my ability.

So in closing there is still so much to say about this subject. So much i could go on and on about. But in the end it comes down to one question.

ARE YOU WILLING TO DO WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT WORK?

If the answer is yes...then start showing the person you care about that as best you can before its too late. Before it is you who regrets not giving it your all. No better time than the present to make sure someone you care about is in your future. Reread that last line, take two asprin, and call me in the morning.

Do Good Things Really Come To Those Who Wait?!?

There are two ways of living your life. You could be passive and let things come to you... or you could take life by the reigns and go out and get what you want. Well if the latter is true then...Do good things really come to those who wait? See i happen to think that there is a time for everything. Life is about timing. One second to late and you dont make it. One minute to early and you dont meet them. Too much time apart and things can change. The time we need is all around us, and everything has a window of time to succeed. If we dont go out and get what we want, that window will eventually close. It's just the way life works. But what about those things that you have to let work themselves out? What about the things that can not be gotten by being persistant? I think thats where matturity kicks in. The ability to understand that not everything is in our control. That we must place the faith in other people sometimes reguardless if we choose too. I think that looking at myself 5 years ago, i was not patient enough to let things unfold. I was not ready to let something good come to me. I was in the mindset that if i didnt go grab it, i would be waiting forever. But what you come to realize is that we can only do so much. There is a point where you try your best and you have to let it happen for yourself. It works in unison like ying and yang. Like hot and cold. If it was meant to be it will be. Do what you can to make it work and let everything else take its course. So in closing i guess the real sentence should read something like this:

Good Things Come To Those Who Put Themselves In A Position To Succeed And Have The Patience To Let Things Happen (or in short... Patience Is A Virtue)

Do you believe?

You're My Inspiration

Being in the entertainment industry and making it my business to be creative can be challenging. Producing music from lifes inspirations can be hard and you have to really be involved in so much to maintain that creativity. I guess thats why you could say many artists do drugs to reach that sense of creative awareness. It gives them the ability to think outside the box so to speak. But more importantly an artist has to keep good energy around him or her. They have to have people around them that are always challenging them to be better. To stay sharp. To stay creative. And that is easier said than done. For myself i always try and keep that good energy around me...because that is when i am most productive. Distractions in life detract from your creativity but can make for good music. Sadness / problems / and frustration all make for great love songs. But in the end of it, its all about staying constant and more hard working than the next person in whatever you do. So heres to all the people that keep me grounded, sharp, and on my toes. To all those who pray and pray for my downfall...Get a magnifying glass and focus it on my middle finger.

Do you believe?

The Things We Own

I was watching Fight Club the other day, and Brad Pitt had a line from the movie that I started thinking about a lot:

"The Things We Own.End Up Owning Us"

Even though I had seen the movie a couple times, I had to rewind that once or twice. I know this girl who is very materialistic. I don't think she knows it, but all she does is spend money on things she doesn't need. Now I'm not judging her on the fact that she likes to spend the money she earned on things that make her happy. I just take notice on the stress it causes her. So because of all the payments in her life.she is now obligated to work for the things that she bought. It's like an invisible cloud hovering over her head that reminds her she has yet another obligation to take care of. In turn I'm sure that places more responsibility on shoulders that already have responsibility placed on them. But what about the idea that Brad Pitts character in the movie has about life. That only when we let go, can we truly be happy. That when we rid ourselves of materialistic needs and attatchments.that then we can be at peace. Well I don't agree completely, but I see truth in both. It reminds me of my cousin in Hawaii. He used to live in Chicago. He used to work at a prestigious Real Estate company, and had a great position. He easily made 100,000 a year. He had nice cars, a nice house, all the clothes one could want, and had every thing his materialistic heart desired. But he was miserable inside. So wut did he do? He moved to Hawaii w/ his wife. He works at a corner store for some of the afternoons, and you can find him most mornings and nights surfing. He has very little compared to what he had.but he is happy. His life is that much more simple. But I wonder if the change of scenary has a lot to do with it. The fact that he lives in a relaxed environment as opposed to a hectic big city may have something to do with it. Me on the other hand, I am going through just that. I live in New York. I live in Manhattan. I see people around me who have things that I want. In order to fit in.I have to conform to some degree. But sometimes I think that I would be that much happier living more simply. The battle between the heart and the mind can be a battle that lasts a lifetime. If your heart is telling you one thing, and your mind another you have a dilhemma on your hands. I think most people go through that. That's why most of us walk around confused about life. Why sometimes we get depressed and we do not know the reason for the depression. All I can say is I found something I love doing in music. That is my outlet. That is what I use to deal with the stress, confusion, and depression. What is your outlet?

Do you believe?

The Cards you're dealt

A wise man once said that Life is like a game of cards. We all hold our cards the same and we play the hands we are dealt. Some people are given an incredible hand...while others have to make something from nothing. But what it all comes down too is...HOW WELL YOU PLAY THE HAND YOUR GIVEN. I think in any situation the person who understands and knows how to take their hand the furthest has a better chance to win than the rest. The hand i was dealt in life is one i can not complain about. Im not rich...but im not poor. I have the respect of everyone i bring in my life...and the respect of people who look at the music i do. Im loved by my family and people close to me. I always have opportunities...and i am always willing to help others out by setting up opportunities. And i think to some degree we make our own fate. We make our own paths. So when someone comes walking into your life should we look at it as a chance meeting? or was that person brought there for a reason? I tend to think that everyone you come in contact with...i stand to learn something from them. There is something that they can teach me about life and maybe give me a different point of view. Life is all about angles. And some angles give you a better view of wut your looking at. What angle are you looking at? And what cards were you dealt?

Do you believe?

Luck Of The Draw

What would you say is the difference between good luck and bad luck? How do you determine if you are on a bad streak or a good one. Do you measure something like that over a course of a week. A course of a year. Or a course of a day? I would say that life goes in ups and downs. And from where your standing it is never quite as bad or good as it might seem from your perspective. My friend is going through one of those turbulant times right now...and the only advice i can give to him is When you hit rock...theres no place to go but up. I know for myself, understanding this and getting alittle bit older..helps me through good and bad times...knowing that my luck will never remain in one place. Taking things in stride and accepting what comes...neither as bad luck or good. But just facing every opportunity and problem seperately. Hows your Luck been lately? All the advice i can give is that...Dont get to comfortable...its bound to change...

Do you believe?

OBAMA WINS!! Game Changer!!

I will keep my political opinions to myself. But whatever your feelings about Obama this is a monumental election and a complete game changer. Most of you have not lived during the days when this country was not open to the "other" and many were infused with fear and hatred toward black people and anyone else who didn't look like them.

This election, and McCain's concession speech, tells us a lot about this country and its unique place on this earth. We are, in fact, the "Shining City on the Hill" that is a beacon to people around the world, which will never be the same from this day forward.

Whether he becomes a good or bad President, this represents a hurdle that had to be jumped and a sea change in the way people inside and outside of this country will view the United States of America.

I may not agree with all of his positions and policies throughout his presidency, as decision maker you must make some tough choices. But I cannot say that this election doesn't bring a tear to my eye. And I am very, very, proud of our direction.

There is so much work to be done. Last night was a great victory. Now the real work begins and we all must do our part.

Do you believe?

(I've decided to share)

For the political buffs: It took 30 years, but the country finally chose intelligence over ignorance. the Republican party since 1980 has made a virtue of ignorance and demonized anyone who actually had a brain. Palin ended up being the perfect poster child for that view of the world.

The Republicans have left us a country in dire straits: follish wars that sap our energy and treasury and make us weaker; a disparity in wealth so great that it makes the overall economey weaker not stronger; an unbridled and unregulated economic system that allows the worst instincts of its participants to dominate; and a social environment that feeds on hate and in fact promotes hate.

Obama has been left with a mess. It will be difficult to turn this ship around. But he is intelligent, thoughtful, wise and compassionate. Unlike Bush, he will not try to rub the Republican's nose in it. Instead he will try and get their buy-in and consensus in order to move this country in a positive direction. No more "gut instinct" decisions that the country has to live with for years on years.

Obama took the high road in this election while McCain fatefully chose the gutter and he was rewarded for it. McCain was gracious last night in defeat, and let us all hope that is the temperment of the Republican party going forward.