The Time iz Now

Update: A New Home is Built

2011-05-22T16:20:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update, the new site is up and running! Its still in progress (design wise), Still getting the music up, but it's officially the new base of operations! Check it out! www.CraftinClassiks.com

The content will be the same as AcetheTime.blogspot.com but with a few additions!

More original content (Hip Hop, Music, and Inspirational words/videos) and some good friends contributing
Display of services and offers on things/opportunities that I'm building (A few are up but more to be announced)
Non-Profits, Organizations, and Charities we support

And more, of course, but thats the skinny as of right now. Also, this site will remain up, but all new posts will be on www.CraftinClassiks.com so adjust your RSS feeds accordingly! Appreciate it, and peace!

So Ace, Whats New? (2011 Addition)

2011-04-06T01:04:00.000-04:00

Salutations young world! Its been a minute, been off the blog for a good sec. ALOT of things are in development, been pushing for higher quality and more quantity in this fast changing world. But, this post is to inform about what you can expect in the year..

1) The Casting Call mixtape may be chopped down and spread out and released in the future. Theres so much quality content but I dont have the time to mix all of it the way it needs. My attention needs to be on bigger projects! Its still up in the air as of 4/8/2011.

2) When I say bigger projects I refer to "The Dawn" EP. A collection of tracks I make in the wee hours in the morning in between working all night and taking a nap in the early afternoon. It epitomizes the possibility, hope, and feeling of that 1st breath of fresh air in the AM. The 1st track was recorded bringing in the new years and it captures that vibe nice! Only 2 tracks left to record, as of now there are 7 altogether. Expect that late march. Video shoots are planned for May-June as well. More details later!

3)The Speed of Life video series is still being recorded and edited. Im reworking the frequency into a seasonal release, and the special footage will be saved for the DVD for the album "Davids SoundTrack". I dont want to step on any of the other projects toes, so Ive been taking the time to figure out what I want for which. This is second to the music, but I cannot rush it!
*The other video series are also still in development. Waiting on new cameras, and equipment! Great problems!*

4)Speaking of Davids Soundtrack (The Album), it's coming along nice, cant speak too much on it untill the other projects are finished and out but Im loving whats happening with it! Especially in these times in my life with increasing responsibilities, family issues, and more craziness that's happened. So much has changed since the release of In My Own Thoughts. Its really epitomizing the reason most artists create. To express and release deep emotions mere words cant, and to retain sanity. Yea, thats exactly whats happening. My pain, your pleasure. lol, more on that later also!

5)Next, The new website is ALMOST complete, this is the big reason I havent been blogging. Ive been working with Chris Scheidies to get it up and clean. Needless to say, I have a new found respect for all web developers now, I salute you for sheer patience alone lol.

Those are the solids and the stuff near-finished that I can speak on right now. There's ALOT more on the way but its still in development. In the mean time, thank you for your continued support, funding, and love!! It means alot. no EVERYTHING!

The time is now!!

peace.

Options: Lives We Choose...

2011-01-03T11:11:00.016-05:00

Every life has an ending, and that ending is directly in relation to the way the life was lived. The thoughts that were invested, ideas that festered and the image that was exerted. The perception the universe receives from you, is the opportunities you'll in turn be shown.... Will you have a chance to innovate an industry? A chance to mold the future? Own an island?

Or, will your opportunities be shown in a chance to dodge a bullet from someone who saw you with the wrong people?? A court case where you just may get off with "No papers"?

You now have the opportunity to choose. Its all in us, all of us. Its all in our brands of life. Play your hands for the long hall, and you'll be in the game when they're re-dealt later on.

Personally, I've been putting off my change lately. Its the biggest change I've had to make in a decade probably. I love continuity, set it-and-forget-it-ability, so I usually get to a place where I dont even check on, or I only maintain. But this change is basically the basis for my future. Success or Failure could be based on this. I must achieve this. I want my grand kids, great-grand kids affording yatchs and such. I want my face unquestionably amongst hip hop royalty. I want ground breaking achievements, and I must make changes in order for this to happen.. In order for opportunities to increase in quality and frequency.

In turn, the ending will be able to be the best there was in history. I have goals in social change, moral advancement, desease research, education, and the overall quality of life that cannot be met unless, I make changes now. ...Procrastination is dead, the time is now. Peace.

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." -James Allen

Great Quote: Non-Action

2010-12-06T10:00:00.002-05:00

"Its a Whole Lotta Pump Fakin... and No Shot Takin" -Ace the Time

Released: DMV Diggin Episode 2

2010-11-20T14:00:00.004-05:00

Presenting Episode 2 of my series "DMV Diggin" Featuring J6, Antonym Beats and Malcom. Enjoy the adventure!

Pt1

YouTube - Ace the Time-DMV Diggin x Red...

Pt2

YouTube - Ace the Time-DMV Diggin x Red...

Ace the Time Interview with ILLMUZIK.COM!!

2010-11-05T13:45:00.001-04:00

Shout outs to Fade, Dj Excellence, and Illmuzik for the love!!

Illmuzik own’s Ace the time is an emcee/producer from the DC area. Know as Unorthodox (or just Dox) on the forums, he’s a versatile artist who’s both comfortable with sampling and composing. Now time for the interview.

Excerpt:

The DC hip hop scene has never really developed, why do you think that is?

smh, man. There are so many reasons I’d need a post to say it all. but mainly, DC is not a hiphop city, its a Go Go city. Complete polar opposites. Hip Hop at its worst is structured and intelligent compared to Go Go, which is straight, untampered, party, let loose, have fun music. Most of the country doesnt even understand it because of this. This is the culture we grow up with in DC...

Read the full interview at http://www.illmuzik.com/ace-the-time-interview/#more-2274

Times of Thought: 10-15-2010

2010-10-22T14:00:00.000-04:00

"Its hard for me to party & drink, knowing theres 1000's of others grindin hard. Its become a phoebia I think. I'm afraid of being out worked... I'm closer to livin my dreams than sleep could ever get me now. I'll party with my homies, and a few billionaires on my yatch, headed to my island... lol its all good!"

With Money, How Can Can Still Love Hip Hop??

2010-10-21T13:00:00.001-04:00

-This is probably the most on-point description I've heard since the "hiphop is dead" "era".-

*From Gear Slutz Forum, By Agzilla*

"The more Hip Hop becomes an institution the less cause for it to exist there is...

What began as rebel music, using some old grooves to reshape into something new, with new attitude, language, potential. style, fashion....

Has become something we are overly familiar with... a regular soap NOT a brand new special....

HipHop has moved on and grown up... it's kids, twins called Bounce n Rap are just fine though... bit reckless and all that but gonna grow into good men eventually and have upstarts of their own....

The best reallest music is ALWAYS whatever YOU really got in your mid teens to late twenties....

Bfore or after that, by give or take five years is old s or new crapola...."

-OG Post Here

I've been thinking this for weeks now, the more money that got pumped into Hip Hop....scratch that, the more money there was to be MADE from Hip Hop, the worse off the culture became. I say culture because, the music lost its potency yes, but All aspects of Hip Hop fell off. B-boying got hi jacked (or grew, depending on your views) and transformed into a entity in and of itself. The art of the scratch got lost (Yes it is still represented, but its a accessory compared to music). Then sampling got killed to a degree, and production became more critical, than say, a dope flow, lyrics, or even now, some sense and coherence on the mic lol.

-Money is the common denominator-

As long as money is the motivation, how can music (Hip Hop or otherwise) be the quality culture that raised and taught millions, no billions?

Money is a necessity, but lets not get carried away with what it does for us. Some of the most horrible/gruesome things and people in history were motivated by money. As long as we love money, how can we love Hip Hop? Just a thought

The Artist Knows: Example TI

2010-10-19T16:00:00.001-04:00

T.I. Makes Demands, Gets Denied (2002)

What happened?: In 2001, L.A. Reid signed Tip to Arista Records. Shortly afterward, T.I. released his debut album, I'm Serious. And although he was calling himself "The King of The South" way back then, he sure wasn't the King of Billboard: His album peaked at #98 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. This prompted a sit-down between Reid and Tip where he demanded two million dollars for his next album. Reid refused and Tip was subsequently dropped from the label.
Complex says: Success is the best revenge. If Reid had kept T.I. around and helped develop his talent, he could have taken credit for his success later on. Maybe then he wouldn't have gotten fired from Arista in 2004.

(http://www.complex.com/blog_galleries/shots-at-the-check-writer-when-rappers-bump-heads-with-la-reid/TI)

(The artist KNOWS! Believe in us)

Dear Artists, ... this is the Opportunity of a MILLENNIUM.

2010-10-14T00:09:00.001-04:00

Dear Artists, we have the Opportunity of a MILLENNIUM.

   Stop progressin to that old shit! Tomorrow is comin, why do you want to do what you did yesterday? Isnt that what we work AGAINST? Freedom!! The option where to work, what to do? I HATED school, waking up day in day out to do work for someone else. I HATED work, waking up day in day out to do work for someone else. Each and everyday, doin repetitive tasks, with a predetermined time limit, style and satisfying others expectations, ideas, and most importantly OTHERS FUTURE.

Why are you so ready to live the life so many work their whole lives to LEAVE!?

You have a opportunity, ...to be the most FREE and IN CONTROL... your family have had for CENTURIES... ...CENTURIES!!!!

   Why are we allowing ourselves to be controlled?... no, why are we taking OUR control, and handing it to people OTHER than our selves? No... why are we taking OUR control, and handing it to people that arent EVEN apart of our CULTURE??

   Why arent we exploring our creative boundaries instead of doin what the last man did?? We have a chance to make history... blaze new paths... why walk old ones? especially when there are millions already doing just that smh.

--You got the opportunity of a millennium, lets ACT like it!! Dont be a slave by choice people.

BREAK Ground, Dont LAY down

Defining: "Crap"

2010-10-13T16:00:00.001-04:00

Crap –noun

A) excrement ... B) nonsense; drivel.

C) falsehood, exaggeration, propaganda

;Abbrev. for Commercial Rap

Late Night Haiku's

2010-10-12T19:00:00.001-04:00

Cant sleep so I plan, the future. Not just mine but all that I will acquire. #Haiku

Prosperity looms. Peace shall come, lives saved. Understandings made. #Haiku

Bread: each one teach one. Butter: Morals and respect. ...World hunger must end #Haiku

Inspiration: Will Smith/Keys to Life

2010-10-11T14:30:00.001-04:00

"Determination & Confidence"

Documentary: Open Transport

2010-10-10T15:30:00.001-04:00

Released in early 2000, a hip hop documentary featuring the best and up and coming artists of the time, with San Diego's own Sound Providers featuredFeaturing Pharoahe Monch, Bahamadia, Rich Medina, Count Bass D, Cage, Talib Kweli and more. Originally released in 2000.

OPEN TRANSPORT from Bert Custodio on Vimeo.

Dear Diary, a Retrospect and Reality check.

2010-10-09T12:10:00.000-04:00

I'm a very positive person, I love fun and laughing so much I list them as hobbys! But the life of an aspiring artist, is full of sacrifice. You try to stay focused on success, and achieving what you dream of, day and night. But its just alittle difficult and distracting when those sacrifices get in the way of... the life you're trying to live.

I spend days sacrificing sleep, money, my own health to perfect music, videos, web design, photos and all the things a artist needs. I literally get 3-5 hours a sleep for monthes on end. Its to the point of alienation from friends and family. I barely get to spend time with loved ones, romantic relationships strain, friendships drift, and it all happens before you can change anything. I've missed numerous birthdays, BIRTHS, grad parties, even industry events trying to do the jobs of 10 people. I know I should find others but its difficult to find/get people that are focused, timely and do quality work, not to mention its 2010, everything I need is at my fingure tips, but at a cost.

So much gets devoted to my career that I forget how to laugh, how to joke, ...how to live like everyone else. So when I DO get a chance to go out, I stand out. All I think about is music. Discussions about much else are awkward, lots of times I'm sitting, thinking about all the things I could be doing to further my lyrics, performance, beats, video, ideas, or my business. Its weird... and it sucks in a way! I spend so much time doing what I love, I've alienated the people I love. And when I do get time, its so different... its almost like we're strangers.

Maybe its just my side, I feel like I'm spamming when promoting (Which I rarely even do), but they interact and respond like its all still the same. Maybe I'm blessed with great friends, maybe I'm spot on, but either way this is a aspect I never anticipated. If I could, I'd be there to support and chill with them but the situation... my future wants otherwise...

Aspiring artists take note, things change, be sure you're ready to handle them.

6/18/10

"There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire.

...The other is to get it." George Bernard Shaw

The Freestyle: Off the top or Pre- written?

2010-10-09T11:21:00.000-04:00

*Announcer Voice*

In the beginning there were people who freestyled, spitting lyrics as they came, improvisation. As time went on, rappers/mcs got lazy. 1st it was step-writing, where a few punchlines were memorized but as time went on, more and more of the "verse" became pre-written. It got to the point of whole crowd was ab-libing the freestyle!!

My question to you is, which do you prefer to hear from artists of our culture?

1) Off the top? generally less lyrically on point or clean, but much more fresh, and exciting. If you're good, you will impress.

or
2) Pre written? Less exciting but generally more on point lyrically. Less chance of not delivering on the punchline aspect.

Personally, I think pre written rhymes are wack and basically killed the freestyle AND the battle. At least for me. You should be able to talk about everything, on the fly, in any situation.

Everything came to a hideous apex a several years ago, around the Cassidy era. Battling was heavy popular and people stopped being able to catch up with some of the top people. With money, pride, and general reputation on the line, I understand the switch but it sucked the life out of the element of Hip Hop.

Your thoughts? doesnt need to be as long as mine tho lol

A few reactions from the good folks over at ILLmuzik.com

Shonsteez-

"Me personally, i always say keep 100% off the dome. Otherwise dont call it a freestyle.

Alota cats cant even hang in that realm cuz their rep goes to zero in a matter of seconds if they funk up and look like a fool (especially in a battle setting), but thats really what makes a free so exciting if you ask me.

Witnessing a good freestyle is the freshest thing too. Its really incomparable to a written even if the dude ends up having a higher number of fancy punchlines.....anyone can do that ya know....off the top is totally different tho - that takes an entirely different kind of methodology that you gotta work out in your head to still be sharp as a razor + sound dope.

Stresswon-

"Freestyling is exactly that. Improv wit rhyme. thats what it started as and thats how it SHOULD be. Emcees HAVE to be able to do this. Nothin pisses me off more then a "freestyle track" on a mix joint. Freestyles dont have add libs and hypes. If you consider yourself a rapper/emcee and can't do this, u should think twice"

Sucio-

"Most artists' (freestyles) in mainstream music have become freestyles because the content (although it may be dope) were not suitable for projects...

Plus it is to showcase talent, the average listener won't pick up a written...But hip-hop heads who know a few things can....

Although off the top takes more skill, it may not "sound" as hot as a written "freestyle"..."

Dream Police-

"Absolutely, if you "freestyle" written rhymes you are a poser!"

5th Sequence-

"Being 100% in the moment is what it is all about. I write lyrics for album tracks but my passion lies in spontaneous poetry. Freestyling to me is the pursuit of control. The faster I process thoughts musically the greater control I have in a live environment where finishing another MC's rhyme, carrying on the subject, flipping what they said etc, is standard cypher etiquette.

The dynamics of how freestyle cyphers work simply impress me. I like to break it down sometimes when I think about it, here some random thoughts on what makes each cypher unique. Components that influence the overall vibe of a cypher:

number of MC's in the cypher
skill level, style, experience of each MC in the cypher
Instrumentals (if any): tempo, mood, swing, sonic texture (vinyl vs synth), beat drops, frequency of instrumental changing (1 beat for 15 minutes, 1 new beat every 4 minutes/playlist? )
what is at stake for those in the cypher (what they could gain/lose, if any - consider reputation from peers, other artists, and that in music, first impressions are priceless... )
actual location and number of people listening who arent rapping in the cypher (always/only @ the studio vs @ a cracking party with people listening in
whether or not the mc's know they are being recorded
How many bars each MC raps on average before their turn is up. This is the pace.
Does the cypher go circular or can anyone jump in whenever if they have a time sensitive idea they want to express?"

Skidflow-

I have lost And-1 battles cuz cats came with pre-written shit....I was totally caught off guard when I lost too. Thats when I knew that I was in a whole different area when it came to hip hop

Lou Bez-

both freestyle and written "freestyles" have a place in the culture...going off the top is for when no body is recording, unless of course you are a prophetically nice emcee like EMINEM or some shit, but even then you come up with shit like the "Encore" album.

Thats what changed the tide though, is the whole youtube culture....everybody wants to make sure they come perfect now.

Great Quote: C.r.e.a.m.

2010-10-04T22:40:00.000-04:00

"Cash. Ruined. Everything. Around. Me"

-Ace

Inspired by Cream. by Wu Tang Clan

Great Quote: Identity

2010-10-04T22:22:00.000-04:00

"Dont let fighting this beast make a beast out of you"

Best I could find lol

Inspiration: Moving Water Painting

2010-09-26T16:25:00.000-04:00

Ultimatums...

2010-09-19T20:46:00.000-04:00

Stay at the bottom, with company or... Rise and be lonely? Ultimatums, ultimatums... #-_-

-I've always been a loner... since elementary school... no. before that, I was a only child, and unfortunately I can say I've lost every close/best friend I've had since (Streets, Drugs, Car Crash the list goes on..). I'm left with 2 and my desire to succeed and win leaves me too tired or not enough time to maintain these relationships. A late night phone convo has brought this to my attention tonight. Do I want people in my life, to enjoy success with? How do I manage that while juggling essentially 5 jobs trying to make a livin doing what I LOVE? Or... Am i going to continue to neglect relationships with people I love and hope there's someone left that will enjoy it all with me?

-Actually having this option is weird, and I'm not used it at all. Hopefully I'll find a way to enjoy both, I need to. I think. ....More work for the man...

2:06am

9-19-2010

Inspiration: Being a kid

2010-09-15T16:40:00.000-04:00

I watched this video and it made me realize something about growth in our world. More AFTER...

The kid is a prodigy, undisputable. But while watching, I noticed, (And remembered) How much fun EVERYTHING was when I/You're a Kid. Everything is new and people like watching you. But as we grow, we lose that ability or desire to have fun. For whatever reason, we start disliking everything and turn to liquor drugs tv etc.

I've decided, If I cant have complete total fun doing something, I aint doin it. Or I'm not doin it right... Regardless, when we're young, we enjoy everything so much its crazy. We have a few experiences, life hits and its all down hill from there... no more!

Inspiration: How bad do you want to succeed?

2010-08-31T14:35:00.000-04:00

I used to get talks like tis in Junior High and summer camp from counselors. It was harsh at the time but prepared you! A Must watch!

Thoughts and perspective during transitions... 8/25/2010

2010-08-25T20:48:00.000-04:00

As I move into being/becoming, I think, about the end...the Big end, all I want honestly is to say i changed the world and made it a better place for everything living. Understanding, Appreciation, Flourishing, and Co-existence. If I cant change the world, I want to be able to say I at least change someones world, and for the better.
I mean, If that can be arranged, I'm good. If I can give a kid, with seemingly no future, hope to achieve everything he couldnt imagine? I did my job. If i can change an adult, to live better for the next generation? I did my job. If I can inspire someone, somewhere, to believe, and achieve better, for him/herself or His/Her community, I did my job. THATS why i started rapping. To give hope to the hopeless. To inspire the injured to achieve and not be defeated. There's nothing else that matters more. If we today cant make tomorrow better, tomorrow's growth will be amazing, and every generation will know we did nohing to help that. Lets be amazing now. We have to.

A Fathers Child: Poetry by Eulalia Boyden

2010-08-23T18:53:00.000-04:00

He looks like Me but portrays your soul
From his big brown eyes down to his toes
"Don't make that face,you look like your Dad" he's often told
But why is that so awful to this creation you helped mold
He's yours, yes he knows
Like Father like son..The saying so old goes He's perfect and no I would never take him back
but half of him is you which causes me to react
Because when I look at him I see you..
Sometimes It makes me smile and other times tears me apart
Confused on dead emotions and a stubborn heart
His smile..your ears
My twin..your son
Our past made us a future
Though we are not a whole
Well always be tied
Our son is Precious
Treat him as so
Your Love is all he needs
And all he'll remember when he's old
Forever..
A Fathers child

Follow on twitter @pbofrmdc

Aspirations: Owning my own Island Pt1 How....

2010-08-23T17:33:00.000-04:00

"I'm tryna live it to the limit and love it ALOT"

"The process of buying a private island is similar to that of buying a house, only the cost is much greater. When considering a house, you check for the general condition, the foundations, if it has rising dampness, and if there are termites present. Buying an island is similar, but there are far more things to consider, and in most cases, the buyer of an island has no experience on which to base his or her judgment apart from an emotional attachment. Considering the amount of money that you have to spend to buy a private island, it's critical that you are aware of the following issues."

For those as interested as i am, please acquiant yourself...

http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Private-Island

So Ace, Whats Next? (Pt2 The Series (Plural))

2010-08-17T14:05:00.001-04:00

-Several Video Series-

1. DMV Diggin: Me and friends diggin for dope record spots in DC, Md, and Va, AND a few Gems to sample within.

-Preview-

2. DC Graffiti: Me cataloging and showcasing the VIVID Graffiti scene in DC. The works definately inspire, Hip Hop at its finest. (Still Editing)

-Previews-

3. And my "Update/Diary" Series, The Speed of Life: Where I document all the work I put into "Making it" as a Indie Artist/Pproducer in DC.

-Its gonna be a busy century-

So Ace, Whats Next?

2010-08-17T14:04:00.003-04:00

Well, for starters,

From now on I'm doin 6 verses, 21 bars each...

Per song..... I mean.. "Metaphisical, lyrical, Miracles// Deadly, severerin spiritual ambilicals,.... ha... typical//" type stuff...

on 42 track, projects ...

Of, 52 part series's ...... yea Keep Up!!... lol

Thats how I'm rollin in the 22nd Century!! But until then, I have 2 projects coming up...

A Mixtape/Street Album/ M-Album whatever... The working title is the "Casting Call". Which is a play on the theme of my Album
And Last on the list is My Album "Davids Soundtrack" . Which is the sound track to struggle, growth, and overcoming. Determination, and belief in ones self.

The Mixtape will be heavy on features, mostly because people say I never collab when in fact I do, it just doesnt always get pushed right. Expect, a soulful, Smooth paced, passionate type vibe. Life is Vibrant and has MANY muses for me right now, The music will be fresh in the sense that, it will be a combination of old and new all brought together to help usher in a new vibe for Hip Hop. Fresh in the sense that no one is doing this. Vocally, Instrumentally, or Lyrically. 30 something tracks so far. I'll talk more about "David's Soundtrack" as the time draws nearer. Just know it takes the Mixtape and Expandes and Improves it even FURTHER. Imagine.

Est. Dates? Think Spring-Fall 2011. Like I said, there are alot of features, you got flakes, and you got busy, busy people. Schedules are crazy. But tracks'll be out definately.

-Out Chea-

#DMVDiggin x Red Onion Preview is LIVE!!

2010-08-12T23:13:00.000-04:00

#DMVDiggin Preview featuring the comic stylings of @J6music09, @GOTjamit, and @Soulrevive. For the producers out there...

Hangin wit Ace: Manipulating Samples

2010-08-12T23:11:00.000-04:00

Over at Illmuzik.com the question was posed:

When sampling, how can I enhance the bass in samples?

So instead of typing some drawn out post, I shot a video and posted it. I started to just talk about sample manipulation but it turned into a whole "beat makin" vid (though its a bit more like Hangin wit Ace/Instructional). Every part of the beat affects every other part so I had to go over alittle bit of everything. From sound selection to Comp, and Eq settings on the master.

My battery was dieing from video taping all day so I had to rush certain parts. If there are any questions feel free to ask.

Pt1.

Pt2.

Pt3

My Birthday Wishlist...

2010-08-12T10:36:00.000-04:00

So, my bday's in 2 days and while the days of me getting gifts from the fam is over, I DO still have a wishlist. No games, no toys. What i want are things that will aid in my being successful. Things like:

*Infomercial Voice*

3000 new diehard, screaming, fans...
A band of musicians, focused and dependable...
A Dj that can scratch and loves my music...
36 hours in a day...
A manager that can handle the business so I can focus on creating...
To have my friends and family good, so I can focus on creating...
To be able to focus on creating
And last but not least, a lifetime supply of Pizza, the food of Champions!

lol but seriously anyone that can help with 1-3 and 5-7 would be greatly appreciated! Now I must take time out to wrap up some video editing before I'm taken away by family and friends. Definately blessed to see another year...

There is No Overnight Success

2010-08-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

http://www.indiehiphop.net/no-overnight-success-create-something-great-then-wait/

Copy/Pasted

-Excert-

"You have to stop whining about the field being crowded with too many artists. There’s an abundance of tap water yet it didn’t stop them from putting it in a plastic bottle and successfully selling it. Be innovative, keep creating, keep building, keep collabiin. We’re all given the same amount of hours each day. The successful just chose something different to do with their’s."

I may have to become a DJ because of this...

2010-08-09T23:47:00.001-04:00

Everyday I wanna be a DJ more and more...

Multi Touch Light Table: GERGWERK from GERG WERK on Vimeo.

Long Lost In My Own Thoughts track: Welcome (Roll Slow)

2010-08-09T20:50:00.001-04:00

A version of my song Roll Slow released in 2007, I couldnt decide the topic so I made both versions. Heres the unreleased version just cause the bars are Awe inspiring! lol

Welcom (Roll Slow Alt) by AcetheTime

Dear Music industry, Can we move on?

2010-08-09T01:41:00.000-04:00

http://gleonhard.blip.tv/file/1765987/

"The topics: why the music industry needs to license the Internet just like it has licensed Radio (i.e. with a collective license), why criminalizing the users & fans will not work - and why those efforts should be re-directed in creating a new, Music 2.0 ecosystem that actually produces revenues, where those new revenues will come from, and how the music flat rate - music like water - would work."

For those in a business mindset, its a good listen. Check it out. Sort of a recap of what's been said but with a few ideas. Artists, Serious Producers, Music Biz Aficionados this is for you.

Great Quote: Think Ahead

2010-08-09T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Only the strong survive, Only the smart thrive"

-Ace the Time

#ThinkAhead

100 Greatest Verses Ever: Lupe Fiasco - Hurts Me Soul

2010-07-28T14:27:00.003-04:00

*Note *Verses presented in no particular order*

So through the Grim Reaper sickle sharpening

Macintosh marketing

Oil field augering

Brazilian adolescent disarmament

Israeli occupation

Islamic martyrdom... pre-cise!

Yeah.. laser guided targeting

Oil for food, water, and terrorist organization harborin

Sand camouflage army men

CCF sponsorin, world conquerin, telephone monitorin

Louis Vuitton modelin, pornographic actress honorin

String theory ponderin, bullimic vomitin

Catholic priest fondlin, pre-emptive bombin and Osama and Obama and them

They breakin in my car again, deforestation and overloggin and

Hennessy and Hypnotic swallowin, hydrophonic coughin and

All the world's ills, sittin on chrome 24-inch wheels, like that!

Great Quote: Determination

2010-07-24T19:50:00.000-04:00

The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender"

-Vince Lombardi

Great Quote: Music

2010-07-24T18:03:00.000-04:00

"Where words fail, music speaks."

~Hans Christian Anderson

Artist Spotlight: J6 and Genius release "PhilaLargo"

2010-07-23T15:00:00.002-04:00

  J6 and Genius are your average college students: broke, young and ready to learn. But one thing sets these guys apart from the rest of the students at UMES: their musical knowledge and hunger for their craft.

  Genius is a Philly raised, Philly born MC sure to grab your attention with his street delivery and fluid metaphorical verses. Never afraid to try something new, each song he does has a new approach that demands attention.With an arsenal of street knowledge and experience with a polished flow and gritty voice, Genius is something to look out for.

  J6 is a DMV native (from the Maryland part) who uses his background in choir and band to produce songs that appeal most to the people he has grown up with. He also has, in recent years, expanded his musical interests to emceeing with positive feedback. Packed full of similes and contrasting lines, like Genius to get the full picture of each verse, you need a second listen.

  The PhilaLargo mixtape is a mixture of the Philadelphia and DMV flavor mixed with Golden Era richness but 2011 Freshness. The spittin is passionate, the beats are hip hop, and the lyrics are intricate. What else is there? lol Nearly completely Produced by J6, its zone out music, its thinking mans music, its alittle bit of everything. Taking elements and building a new bright and inspiring picture...Hip Hop in its truest form, easily. Watch these guys.

Remember you heard it here first....

<a href="http://j6ngenius.bandcamp.com/album/philalargo">Intro by J6 & Genius</a>

http://j6ngenius.bandcamp.com/
youtube.com/bootspg09
twitter.com/j6music09
twitter.com/geniusmuzik

The Instrumental Experience: Chill Status

2010-07-22T14:00:00.005-04:00

Written 7/3/10 3:37

2010 has been a cleansing year for me physically, and creatively. All my projects have been about me moving forward...

The 1st Project, WNAC Radio, was a abandoned project that I released out of therapy after losing my close friend Justin.

2nd was, Top 40, which was my way of analyzing the changes in the Hip Hop culture and its public figures. But also getting back to the battle and a spirit I believe is in the roots of Hip Hop. Questioning the establishment.

Next up is, Chill Status, A series of tracks/beats that embody what i like most, Chillin. lol some are beats I felt werent right for an MC, others are tracks specifically meant to capture a feeling of chillness in everyday life. The last 4 tracks at the end, are some of my first and favorite beats thrown in to get them out (Figuratively and literally). Its all about cleansing. Hopefully you guys enjoy it!

MCs Feel free to spit to'em, and hit me up with it (AcetheTime@gmail.com). The best songs will be used in a follow up release. Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments!

All tracks can be heard here
http://acethetime.bandcamp.com/album/chill-status

<a href="http://acethetime.bandcamp.com/album/chill-status">Lilies of Life by Ace the Time</a>

Em + Jay = DOPENESS #Renegades

2010-07-20T14:19:00.000-04:00

Editorial: The Politics of Criticism (Copy/Pasted)

2010-07-08T00:30:00.005-04:00

Dope editorial from Tolu Olorunda original article can be found:

http://allhiphop.com/stories/editorial/archive/2009/10/06/21967440.aspx

For the more lazy of us... Copy/Pasted

“I spit the truth in lethal/
… It’s not the mic; it’s the mind I speak through/”

— KRS-One & Buckshot, “Connection,” Survival Skills, 2009.

  Hip-Hop as a whole, as a cultural community, has always had a problem accepting criticism—whether constructive or conjured, exact or exaggerated. It’s in our bloodline. We suffer no critics, antagonists, or haters the opportunity to reduce our art-form to a spectacle. We respond with the quickness. We trot out the best amongst us, the brightest in our midst, to push back, blow back (military style), against anyone perceived as unjustly attacking it.

  The reason is clear: Hip-Hop has stood the test of time as one of the only artistic developments, throughout the history of humanity, to come to life without the help, supervision, or even awareness of an adult population. Youth of color, relegated to the ghettoes and barrios, took the dead scraps they found lying around, breathed life into it, and created a cultural force of irreducible significance that would change, and perhaps even save, the world.

  Three decades later, Hip-Hop is still standing. And though it is true that without the groundwork laid by Muhammad Ali, The Last Poets, Langston Hughes, Phillis Wheatley, Zora Neale Hurston, Gill Scott Heron, and many other pre-Hip-Hop poets, artists, and folklorists, Hip-Hop might have never come to be, it is also true that up until the mid ‘80s, most adults still openly expressed doubt about this budding phenomenon of creative genius they saw some potential in. And those were good old folks. There were those who simply despised it, because, to take their word, it presented nothing original—it simply borrowed from pre-existing traditions, remixing what was old into new, upbeat, catchy, repetitive loops. To an extent they were right.

  But never before had street kids, most without astute academic backgrounds, created their own cardinal directions to map out a future of possibility and hope: 1). They would paint pictures of the legacies they intended to leave behind 2) set music to it 3) carve out dance steps to supplement the sound 4) and prophesy upon the waves and melodies. That was genius! Immitigable genius.

  Still, some adults couldn’t see the forest from the tree stumps. They hooted and hollered, cursed and castigated the young folks they saw selling their future in a fleeting pursuit of, to invoke Lauryn Hill, every tree bearing the wrong fruit. But as the late ‘80s roster unveiled a line-up of rhetorical acrobats, back straightened and eyes widened. The world began paying attention.

  The ‘90s came and didn’t disappoint—up until it lost track of purpose and position, surrendering to the will of divide and conquer, drafted by enemies of Hip-Hop culture.

  The new millennium, however, produced a radically dissimilar outlook, cranking out Hip-Hop junkies with virtually no chance at rehabilitation. As the paraphernalia of materialism left its needle eye, the vein of creativity, originality, and fidelity that had sustained Hip-Hop hitherto collapsed, rendering the body powerless to the powder of the peddlers who could care less—as the aim, above everything else, is to make money—about the caricature of commercialism, commodification, and consumerism they were transforming Hip-Hop into.

  So maybe some adults had it right. Or maybe the blame was misplaced. We might never know. Maybe instead of belittling what work of genius their sons and daughters were crafting, they might have better served providing guidance and caution—similar to the kind Popa Wu and the “older gods” have made a life ministry of—to the vibrant generation coming after them. Again, we might never know. What we do know, nonetheless, is that though criticism hurts, it can also force the soul into self-examination and introspection, which, in turn, guarantees substantive reevaluation and reassessment.

* * *

Good stuff; Read the rest at AllHipHop.com

Tolu Olorunda is a cultural critic and a columnist for BlackCommentator.com. He can be reached at Tolu.Olorunda@gmail.com.

Documentary: Pete Rock- Soul Survivor

2010-07-07T19:00:00.000-04:00

Great Quote: Original?

2010-07-07T14:00:00.001-04:00

"We are all born originals - why is it so many of us die copies?" - Edward Young

In Iran, the original spirit of Hip Hop is alive

2010-07-06T13:00:00.001-04:00

This is what its about

Corine Bailey Ray the new Sade?

2010-07-06T10:00:00.001-04:00

Now I may just be half sleep, but ...Corine Bailey Raye is the new Sade... & if I see either one of'em in real life, they might get pregnant. lol.

Enjoy!

Dope Music: Washed Out ∙ Feel it All Around

2010-07-03T21:09:00.001-04:00

Have you ever dreamed about getting away?

FEEL IT ALL AROUND from Northern Lights on Vimeo.

Great Quote: Unity (In Music)

2010-07-03T17:11:00.002-04:00

The forces in the new music business keep pushing for divergence and never unity. The answer is total, complete and selfless collaboration."

-David Sherbow

http://twitter.com/MusicBizGuy/status/17653557449

Two Years Later....

2010-07-03T15:35:00.000-04:00

Date: July-1st-2010
Time: 10:29
Currently: Working on my performance set

   I have two performances this month, and my anxiety is building. The last time I performed was 3 days after my best friend/brother died. I was still in shock, but... in our last conversation, his last words were, "keep doing your music man, you're making a difference". He always said this but this time it meant so much more...

   July 15th, I have a DC statehood event (Also July 27), big importance to me, and the city. I'm not afraid of performing, I've been MCing since 2nd grade. Its the feeling that I dont have my brother that always was there to support me. I mean, I made my first tracks, beats, project with him. Its weird. After my performance I couldnt rap for a month. Literally, physically. My mind couldn't make it happen. I almost had to re-learn it all. Thinking about it just brings it all back... ...I hate failing, I've always been that guy that people could depend on and could expect to come through, but this is something totally different.

   Its just another hurdle I gotta leap. Hopefully my legs'll hold up. And as my dates loom, I'm definately gonna be battling this, as well as normal performance jitters.

RIP Justin, know I'm workin to make it... like you said fam. Please be at Peace.

Great Quote: Artist Achievement

2010-06-26T14:00:00.002-04:00

"I think all artists fear not living long enough to reach what they believe is the penicle for themselves. At the same time, theres a fear of actually achieving it..." -Ace

Top 40 Hit List Pt2: Motives, Discussions, Readings

2010-06-21T19:18:00.000-04:00

-After Reading-

This is a collection of Vids, Audio, and general discussion amongst Hip Hop lovers that really

opened my eyes to the situation. These Discussions really changed my perspective on

the whole "Top 40" thing. It also got me excited to move on with things a bit more constructive. (lol)

1. Is there space for raw/dirty hiphop in 2010?:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/rap-hip-hop-engineering-production/478082-there-still-space-raw-dirty-hip-hop-2010-a-2.html

the whole thread is dope but here's some of my favorite or most relevant posts.

2. NPR Discussion: Discusses the change in overall topics within music. DOPE LISTEN.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2010/05/24/127091657/post-rebellion-pop-music

3. This Video, a look into hiphop production, has a scene that puts everything into perspective. Its a great watch regardless. As far as this (the vid) goes I agree, but theres 1 thing that changes the whole question, BITING, its an epidemic now. Before, it'd get you stomped, now, its the thing to do. Check it out.

MAKE THE MUSIC THE SERIES VOL#1 from makethemusictv on Vimeo. embed>

Top 40 "Hit List" Release: Stream + Download

2010-06-21T18:12:00.001-04:00

<a href="http://acethetime.bandcamp.com/album/top-40-hit-list">Be A Millionaire by Ace the Time</a>

*Check out the discussions that will follow up this post also. They're just as important as the music... With Hopes that the sub-cultures can come to a mutual understanding of sorts.

Top 40 Hitlist Mixtape Pt1: Release, Explaination, Thoughts

2010-06-21T16:00:00.002-04:00

I had fun making the "Top 40 Hit List"! Tried not to take things too serious while having a good time, relaxed. The project was to express the changes in "hiphop" or "urban music" and the changes in the public figures. Hip Hop has lost alot of zest, a hunger, a sense of pride. Theres alot of sheep roaming, Thats a MAJOR problem in Hip Hop. But even worse, there are sheep that used to be sharks, transformed by either money or fame, who knows.

The point is they changed. Some went from conscious songs about the BS america perpetuates, to making superficial songs and ditching genres that made them who they are (*Cough* Kanye). Others ended artists careers for singing and making songs for ladies, then turned around, not even a few years later, started making songs for the same females... sad (50). Almost all these artists, seemingly ditched their fan bases. No transitions, no nothing just up and following a "new wave".

Its crazy what the business will do to you. Whats even worse is, none of the Hip Hop elders are stepping up and calling people out, or even addressing the matter. The new generation acts lost, in music and life. The last generation should be doing all they can to help the next FURTHER Hip Hop, not condem it as kid music. Hip Hop should still be Hip Hop.

Furthering business is selfish. It only helps few and destroys the culture. Furthering the culture is our responsibility, it furthers the boundaries of the future by Raising and Giving guidence to those that need it most... the ones that are too young for big business to make profit off of.

"The Top 40 HitList" is like a crude, funny, call to arms or action for the culture through the art of the battle. It felt needed when I had the idea and I want it to be available to those that are still in that place. I look forward to making another project, abit more dicussion provoking and less combative lol.

Enjoy, Ace

Producers in need of inspiration: ILL technique, ILL solo

2010-06-19T16:04:00.000-04:00

The technique it self is inspiring but what he does with it is ILL in its own right check it out.

Great Quote: Luck

2010-06-19T14:55:00.000-04:00

Luck is the impression you leave on the world, after you've given 100 percent.

*Tweaked from Langston Coleman*

Happy Birth Day Tupac Amaru Shakur!!

2010-06-16T07:23:00.001-04:00

"June 16th, 1971 Mama gave birth to a hell-raisin heavenly son. See the doctor tried to smack me but I smacked him back.."

Happy Bday 2pac! This is a nod to an artist that deserves a memorial in "hip hop america". One of my favorite rappers, not for his thug or non of the bs, but because he wasnt afraid to show things america was afraid to show. He wasnt afraid to show thoughts that some artists were afraid to show. He wasnt afraid to keep it realer than the thugs that always say they keep it real. His topics would span from party-drinkin-get high, to political activism, to female appreciation, to open letters to his mother... (When someone actually defines "REAL", "Dear Mama" will be the theme song.)

...And no matter what, there was a real message underneath it ALL.

My favorite song, "I aint mad at cha" really captured alot of emotion, and situations I faced on a day to day level. Specifically the music video version. When everything seemed against you and that hopelessness started to talk to you, his songs were right there. I wouldnt be who I am with out them.

Verse 2 excerpt

Don't shed a tear, cause Mama I ain't happy here
I'm through trial, no more smiles, for a couple years
They got me goin mad, I'm knockin busters on they backs
in my cell, thinkin, "Hell, I know one day I'll be back"...

Verse 3

Father forgive us for livin' while all my homies stuck in prison,

barely breathin' believin that the world is a prison,

it's like a ghetto we could neva leave, a broken rose,

it could bloom through the cracks of the concrete,

so many otha things for us to see, things to be,

our history so full of tragedy and misery,

to all my homies neva made it home,

the dead peers I shed tatooed tears,for when I'm alone,

picture us inside a ghetto heaven, a place to rest,

findin' peace through this land of stress,

in my chest I feel pain, comin' sudden storms,

life full of rain in this game watch for lead thorns,

our unborn, neva gotta grow neva gotta see what's next,

in this world full of countless threats,

I beg god, to make a way for our ghetto kids,

to breathe show a sign make us all believe,

coz I ain't mad at cha

Thank you Sir. Dead or alive I hope you've found peace.

Artists: How Labels check if you got Buzz.

2010-06-11T20:00:00.001-04:00

InternzTv shows you how labels do their homework on you. Nice little bit of info.

Ace the Time Interview with HypedSound.com!!

2010-06-06T21:10:00.003-04:00

Shout out to www.HypeSound.com for the dope interview!! Appreciate it alot!

Check it!!
http://www.hypedsound.com//blogs/details/interview-with-rapper-ace-the-time

Alittle Sample:
What is your most favorite track you've created?

My magnus opus right now HAS to be "ForEver Summer". Its a dope song, everything came together so perfectly, and I love the summer!!! But it goes alittle deeper than that. My homie that died was my biggest fan. he'd ride around BLASTING it through the streets lol. In my mind that song is near perfect in so many ways. It has alot of things I'd change if I made it today. But actually, those little things are what make it so special. Not to mention, that song gets the biggest response from the fans.

Dear DC, Before we claim #DMV...

2010-06-06T20:43:00.002-04:00

This post was inspired by...

"The #DMV Hip-Hop scene needs balance.. and is missing true infrastructure"

To everyone that has lived in the DMV, this is WELL known yet still goes unfixed. But this in its self isnt my focus. DC is my focus. Its my home, its a part of me. Think about it...

Maryland has MULTIPLE Scenes. Virginia has a scene. Both have established rappers and producers and have been makin moves for a LONG time. Why should DC get "slid in" with them? Like "Oh Yea, and yall too!"

We just startin!! DC needs all the recognition we can get!!

People BEEN watchin MD and VA for everything!! People JUST NOW understandin DC aint just monuments and Politicians I'm all for supportin a collaborative effort in the DMV. But DC needs to develop and focus on what it has to take care of foreal foreal. Our talent needs to stand on its own untill the CITY becomes a spot. THEN we can rep DMV. I refuse to allow us the be gelled into a box, before we're completely developed.

No offence to my peoples out in the M and V. But DC needs love specifically too. We need to focus on our scene, develope our sound, and mold our identity before we fuse two other states with ours.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programing...

"I put on for my CITY"... then the tristate area..."

DC lets build and get established 1st

-Sincerily Ace

New 'Chill Status' Tracks!!: Sand Storm and Room Full of Suite Cases

2010-06-01T17:05:00.002-04:00

1st. Sand Storm: http://www.zshare.net/audio/7664276805f3c96a/

Smokers Unite! lol

2nd. Room Full of Suite Cases:

Dear DC Artists. Know the facts...

2010-05-25T21:18:00.005-04:00

Fact: There are over 2 thousand HipHop artists, In DC, registered on Reverbnation. Meaning, there's another 2 thousand either not on Reverb, or Not on the Internet...

There's a go go band on every block, in every school, everywhere... How many pure music fans are left? Everyone here has a specific motive. Do the math... You have to sell over 5thousand CDs to reach minimum wage status. NATIONAL act Wale only sold 18... fact, Do the Math...

Every artist is different tru, just know the facts... Crabs in a bucket aren't looking to buy what the next crab is selling. #JustSayin artists, be smart. Its Chess not Checkers. With that said, never give up!! You let everyone else win the second you do... lol

Walking on egg shells: Documentary documenting the age of sampling and remixing

2010-05-17T18:25:00.005-04:00

"Walking on Eggshells" is a 24-minute documentary about appropriation, creative influence, re-use and intellectual property in the remix age. It is a conversation among various musicians, visual artists, writers and lawyers, all sharing their views on why and how we use and create culture, and how intellectual property law, originally designed to provide people with incentives to create, sometimes hinders creative production far more than it enhances it.

This film is our final project for the seminar "Intellectual Property in the Digital Age" at Yale University.

Directed and Produced by:
Jacob Albert
Ryan Beauchamp
Brendan Schlagel

Interviews with (in order of appearance):
Eclectic Method
DJ Earworm (Jordan Roseman)
Joy Garnett
Michael Cunningham
Dudley Andrew
DJ Ripley (Larisa Mann)
Jonathan Lethem
E. Michael Harrington
Edgar Garcia

Interesting Doc: Beat Makers

2010-05-16T12:44:00.000-04:00

Touches on alot of hiphop convos, alot of good perspectives. Doesnt get interesting until around the middle. Check it out (At least the last half).

#DMV Gems: "Diggin"

2010-05-13T22:50:00.014-04:00

A random outing, with my homie Malcom, up UStreet. Went to a dope vinyl spot, I'm not even a digger. I'm not even sampling these days, but it was a dope experience!!

Interestin Doc: Hip hop Beyond beats and ryhmes

2010-05-13T20:07:00.000-04:00

A very indepth and thought provoking Documentary on "over thuggin" in hiphop. alittle old but if you havent seen this it is a must. Things have kinda reversed lately but what ever check it out.
*This is the only version i can find on the net*

Interesting Doc: Beat Diggin'

2010-05-13T00:10:00.001-04:00

Makes me wanna make a beat RIGHT NOW!!

Also check out Scratch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGrchxm_BBU

Brain Food: 120 ways to boost your brain power

2010-05-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

heres a few I like or actually already do.

#5 Block one or more senses. Eat blindfolded, wear earplugs, shower with your eyes closed.

#7 Find intersections between seemingly unrelated topics.

#8 Learn to use different keyboard layouts. Try Colemak or Dvorak for a full mind twist!

#24 Be slightly hungry.

#25 Exercise!

#29 Laugh!

#32 Power nap.

#71 Meditate. Cultivate mindfulness and an empty mind.

#85 Travel abroad. Learn about different lifestyles.

#4 Mix your senses. How much does the color pink weigh? How does lavender scent sound?

Get your mind completely juiced http://litemind.com/boost-brain-power/

Comedy is always based on reality: Proof!

2010-05-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

A Life lesson, Social Commentary, and JAB at todays non-makin-sense artists lol All in One!!

LOL

Producers in need of inspiration.

2010-05-10T12:18:00.000-04:00

"Time to take back our music!!" post Inspired and Hijacked from Wendy Day!

2010-05-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

A good run down of what has happened to the industry. BUT the most important part is the solutions, which I share in agreement.

http://www.indiehiphop.net/the-ever-changing-rap-music-business/#more-3386

(Excert-

"In the past decade, overall, I’ve seen things grow exponentially worse even though the access has opened and the playing field has been leveled with the internet. I believe the key to on-going success in this music business economy is two-fold:

1) We need to get rid of the old guard—fire everyone who has played a part in getting us to this point, and start over. Everyone! We need to set the standard of doing good and fair business with a consequence for those who get excessively greedy or who jerk people. Those of us in positions of power for years are too set in our ways and remember the days of huge income too readily and we need to be replaced by folks with no expectations and who are willing to embrace the future no matter what it brings. And

2) we need to bring it back to the music and deliver what the fans want, how they want to access it, and what they are willing to pay for. With the internet it’s even easier to tap into research and development of the music and deliver what is needed and wanted. If it’s a customer based business, we need to treat it as such. The artists need to be talented and compensated fairly for what they bring to the table. Lil Wayne, Taylor Swift, and Susan Boyle have proven in 2009 that people will buy what they want to buy—by the millions. In the next decade, let’s give them what they want, shall we? Before the music completely dies.

-Excert)

Rap, Hip Hop, R&B Fans and artists alike, we need to unify, in taking back our Art, Culture, and Welfare. Time for talk is over, time for movement is now! Please spread the word!!

Ace the Time Fox5 Perfomance: circa 2006

2010-05-03T14:14:00.003-04:00

Old performance, 5am., at the 9:30 club. Pre-"In My Own Thoughts"

Allow me to re-introduce...Eminem!

2010-04-28T00:58:00.008-04:00

Gotta say this is some next level dopeness... Check it out...

http://usershare.net/2DopeBoyz/wkut6udcrwyp

My response is as follows...

*Hears Eminems Freestyle* *Uninstalls all plugins* *Uninstalls Acid Pro* *Sells laptop* *Puts Keyboards on Ebay* *Goes to drum folder* *Deletes* *Goes to Sfx folder* *Deletes* *Goes to old songs* *Deletes* *Goes to new songs* *Deletes* *Deletes all random Punchline texts* *Burns ryhme books* *Deletes In progress songs* *Deletes Myspace* *Deletes Blogger account* *Deletes youtube* *Contacts Gmail contacts* *sends Eminem-Despicable* *says bye* *Deletes gmail contacts* *Deletes gmail account* *Cancels Custom Tshirts* *Burns awards* *Gives back money made on music* *Applies to everest*

lol

Big L -Street Struck: More Evidence of Hip Hops Self-fulfilling prophecies?

2010-04-27T13:26:00.004-04:00

Long in human existence, since the days long before 2Pacs death, theres been the idea that what you say, what you speak and what you think, will make up your destiny, you life. 2Pac is a great example, because its everywhere in his music, when he first came out he spoke on alot of things that never happened to him specifically but happened around him. Latter we'd come to find out he'd be victumized, whether its because he spoke it into existence or not, the fact remains. Biggie Smallls is another example, Ready to Die, Junior Mafia's "Conspiracy", and Life after death (Killed 15 days before its release).

Which brings me to Big L. On the Cd "Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous" was dope, one of the first hip hop records I dove into. But It was full of 1. Murder 2.Guns 3.Violence 4. Alot of Aids references, with an exception! Street Struck, where he speaks out against it all. On this track he says some pretty... ironic things (for lack of a better term). "

Yo where I'm from it ain't cookies and cream

There's a lot of peer pressure growin up as a young teen

You never know when you gonna get wet

Cause mad clowns be catchin wreck with a tec just to get a rep

Instead of cool friends, they'd rather hang with male thugs

Instead of goin to school, they'd rather sell drugs

It's best to go the right route and not the wrong one
Because it's gonna catch up witchu in the long run

Brothers be on the corners, actin stupid, gettin lifted

They life is twisted, and most of them are quite gifted

In other words, they got TALENT; but they'd rather sell cracks

and bust gats and run the streets actin violent

To them it's all about hittin skinz and makin some easy green

Cause that's all they show you on the TV screen

All they care about is a buck or bustin a sweet nut

They don't give a (WHAT?) cause they street struck

Chorus: Big L

You betta listen when L rhyme; cause bein street struck'll

get you nuttin but a bullet or jail time

So pay attention when L rhyme; cause bein street struck'll

get you nuttin but a bullet or jail time

Verse 2...

Chorus...

[Big L]

I still chill with my peeps in the streets; but most of the time

I'm in the crib, writin rhymes to some dope beats

Or either callin up some freaks to bone

But word up, I try to leave the streets alone

But it's crazy hard kid, in other words, it's spooky

The streets be callin me, like the crack be callin Pookie

It ain't a dumb joke, listen to this young folk

Cause where I'm from -- you can choke from the gunsmoke

Stay off the corners; that might be your best plan
Before you catch a bullet that was meant for the next man

Or end up with a deep cut

Or relaxin on a hospital bed, from bein street struck

It was my understanding that, the assailants (Still unfound) were looking for his brother, and was a case of mistaken identity, (Its also said that the cops did it).

The whole song as a whole is a testiment really, but I dont want to sensationalize the story, just the messege, Watch what you say, It just might happen... Peace

RIP Big L

What is it About Hip Hop That You Connect With?

2010-04-27T01:26:00.012-04:00

A question posed by my homie Chris Scheidies over at IllMuzik.com.

"Why do you love it? What about hip-hop captured your imagination to the point that you want to make it?"

My response or better yet my "freeThought" was as follows...

Hip Hop Originally was a place where I could be entertained and push the boundaries of what I was told possible. The catalyst? Punchlines! I Loved them!! So much so Its what I started doin. I started out as a battle rapper, then moved to more general place, topic wise.

My first hiphop experience that I had a personal connection with was the "Marshall Mathers LP" it was WAY different to everything else that was out. It was dope, crazy, unorthodox and felt like it broke all the rules. Not to mention entertaining. So coming from that imagery, Stories, etc I was drawn to xzibit who was featured on the album, That lead to Dre, BigL, Mixtapes etc. (Just to give alittle more insight)

I started listening to everything that had a "Rebelious", Vivid, epic, Descriptive sound. If it sounded normal, I didnt mess with it (Pac, Nas, Jay etc). It had to sound crazy, "special", and take me somewhere I couldnt (Mentally) Go myself. I'm very cautious about what I "Digest", No stale anything for me!

All these things took me away from the problems of real life. The fights, anger, school, responsibilty, the authority and hypocrisy within. It was a way out. Plus Its made me cool lol. I was always the cool kid that didnt like what came with being cool, the sheep that you're constantly being judged by. The "rules" you had to play by, it was Bs, So I did the opposite, I decided to be what ever I wanted. Music... Hip Hop was that copeing mechanism/ Catalyst for my growth. Hip Hop was that underdog, And I connect(ed) with that. Hip Hop was always there, always ready to listen or entertain, always ready giving me a world to express my anger or Passion.

I make music to give to others what Hip Hop gave me, Hope and at least a sense of belonging, salvation or just something to let them know that they arent alone.

Street Struck: The Big L Story!

2010-04-26T10:49:00.000-04:00

A WIN for Hip Hop!! Looks dope too...

Life Skills: The Hidden Art of Achieving Creative Flow

2010-04-23T16:46:00.000-04:00

http://zenhabits.net/2010/02/creative-flow/ Hope this helps you as much as it helps me.

C/P

You’re simply flowing in the the present moment
I have also experienced flow in writing. I think it’s very important for writers to engage in flow. A lot of writers stop and meticulously edit their work after every sentence, but writing this way (for most people) is counterproductive.

Why? I believe it’s because of the same reason that dancers can’t stop dancing in improvisation. If you just keep writing for 30 minutes without stopping, you give your mind a chance to turn off the ‘conscious of me’ brain functions. This in turn grants more brain power to challenging the boundaries of your writing ability.

You cannot edit while you’re producing work. If you do, you’ll be constantly switching between your right brain and your left brain. Your creative center will be switching off and on and it will be harder to produce anything meaningful.

A classic example of real world flow
Ray Bradbury was a freelance writer who was trying to support his family. However, he was working at home with his cute little children. This proved to be incredibly distracting, so he had to find somewhere else to write. So, he headed over to UCLA’s Lawrence Clark Powell Library.

In the basement of the library there was a number of typewriters that gave 30 minutes of writing time for a dime.

Ray was very poor at the time, and needed all the money he could to support his family. Whenever he popped in the dime, he wanted to get his month’s worth. This forced him to write at a frantic pace until his time was up. The most frustrating element of writing the novel was when the typewriter keys tangled, because it meant that he was wasting valuable time.

In between these 30 minute typewriter banging sessions, he would wander the halls of the library studying books and contemplating what he would write for the next 30 minutes.

The novel Ray finished was classic sci-fi novel Fahrenheit 451. He created this novel in record amount of time, and recalled feeling as if the flow of time had accelerated. The novel wrote itself, effortlessly.

Think about how important it is to flow
I really believe many people miss this aspect of engaging in their work. If you aren’t flowing, you’re not reaching the peak of your ability. There is so much untapped hidden potential in flow, just waiting to be retrieved.

People who have learned flow are challenging themselves and creating work at their best.

We no longer have dime typewriters at the library, but there are a number of ways to practice flow without them.

9 simple ways you can bring yourself into flow

Pick a enjoyable, challenging activity. The easiest way to enter flow is by doing something you love. The activity also needs to challenge you, one you are extremely passionate about, that you enjoy doing, and that causes you to grow. If the activity is boring to tedious you won’t enjoy it, and so there is no way you can engage in flow.
Eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone, log out of twitter, switch off gmail. If you’re constantly flipping back and forth between different tasks you’ll never be able to achieve flow. A foreign distraction will quickly bring you out of the flow mindset.
Think before you do. Do any research or preparation before you engage in the activity you wish to flow in. If you stop and do research while writing, or have to grab a bite to eat in the middle of a run, you’ll throw yourself out of the grove. Preparation is the only way to avoid that.
Isolate yourself. The best way to achieve flow is alone. If you’re in a room full of people, your mind will constantly be drawn away from what you’re doing. Shut the door, put on headphones, or find another way to isolate yourself.
Let go. Give up any expectations that you have for yourself. If you enter a flow situation with preconceptions about the results that you’ll get from the practice, you’ll inevitably disappoint yourself. You also run the risk of narrowing your focus to a point where you can’t change coarse naturally if your flow takes you down a road less traveled.
Give yourself a time limit. Like Bradbury, set a timer on your activity. Give yourself 30 minutes of uninterrupted flow time and just go at it with everything you’ve got. Forget about how much time you’ve been doing the activity, and how much time you have left, just flow. You may just find that you lose track of time completely.
Keep moving. Continuous motion is key to flow, don’t give your mind a chance to start second guessing what you’re doing. Keep moving with the activity you’re flowing in. Go at a pace that’s challenging for you, but not overwhelming. You want to be calm and collected, but also have forward momentum.
Don’t think. Switch off the part of your brain that observes what you’re doing. This is your self-consciousness, your ego, your sabotage. Why flow is so important is that it circumvents the necessity to constantly critique yourself. This can be hard, if you’re used to constantly second-guessing everything you do, but it is so important to successfully entering flow.
Practice. Like any useful skill, flow takes time to master. Don’t stress if you can’t do it right away. If you’re interested in achieving a state of flow, you need to practice regularly. Set a time every day that will be dedicated flow time. Eventually you’ll start to recognize when you’re flowing, and when you’re not. After many hours of practice, you’ll eventually become a flow master.

Everett Bogue is the author of The Art of Being Minimalist, and writes about living a simple minimalist life at Far Beyond The Stars.

Artist Spotlight: DJ Excellence releases "Adventure of an MC" instru Album"

2010-04-21T21:03:00.005-04:00

DJ Excellence, whose real name is Philippe Siarri was born in Sweden in 1981. A Paris resident,

he holds the dual Swedish/French citizenship. He got into Rap music in 1990 when he saw Hip

Hop bands such as Public Enemy and RUN-DMC on TV. Fascinated by this musical form, he

started producing and deejaying around 1999/2000. He quickly developed a simple but

effective production style, that often incorporates scratches. An avid record collector, Excellence

likes sampling jazz, funk and Soul.

He has collaborated with artists from all over the world and released two compilations, as well

as two remix albums...

"Adventures of an Emcee"

...is an Instrumental Album, Illustrating the rise and fall of an Emcee. Though its fictional, we in the hiphop comunity have seen it so often that the story is very familiar. The skits in between help carry that feeling, and are like Iceing on the cake!! Its a great story told in an interesting, and creative way. Absolutly Hip Hop to the fullest!!

Enough Talk, Check it out!

Download here:

http://www.illmuzik.com/store/store.php?store_id=56

Also Check out:

http://www.djexcellence.net/

http://www.myspace.com/djexcellence1

DMV Rant!!

2010-04-16T15:45:00.004-04:00

Anything in the DMV that requires a nomination to win, should have background checks. I've noticed alot of out-of-towners are getting real DMV artist spots, stealin the spot light of who really deserve it. If the scene wasnt so scattered and just getting together I'd campaign for this kinda stuff. The #DMV needs organization in everything!! from politics to Music... its all just ...everywhere organiztion wise.

I mean its....kinda the style of the city. Go-Go is raw untamed energy and Its basically how we live here. But its also what keeps us from moving into that area of "On Point-ness". From the Music scene, to the school system, to the political scene, to... you name it. DC/DMV needs to find that place where we can get organized. A leader that is established is one of the only ways right now. Anyone else will get a few followers but theres a crab in the bucket mentality of if it aint me or my closest friends/if I dont know you, you arent getting any kind of attention from me. DMV lets move towards the me-only mentality to a we-growing, we-going to get everyone good mentality. Please, and thank you

-Sincerily Ace

Dj Premier interview: On The HipHop Culture as a whole

2010-04-15T14:08:00.001-04:00

Artist Vlog 2-20-010: Rant on the current state of Hip Hop

2010-04-14T01:24:00.005-04:00

2-20-2010 Dear Diary,

Top 40 Hit List Mixtape intro/ Vlog on Motives of it

2010-04-02T15:48:00.007-04:00

A Vlog talking about my "Top 40 hitlist" Mixtape and the reasons why I decided to do it!!

Evolution of "Craftin Classiks" Cds lol

2010-04-02T15:39:00.004-04:00

Evolution is BEAUTIFUL! LOL

New Series!! Performance Photos: The beginning

2010-04-02T15:31:00.003-04:00

This is from when I was 17-18. It was a Gala for a Non-Profit called InnerVision. Crowd was cozy sized lol

DOPE Hiphop Convo: From Nas to Top 5 MCs

2010-03-27T03:11:00.005-04:00

Good hiphop debate is always inspiring!

Words Arent Stong Enough: A Thank You to Fans/Family and Friends

2010-03-25T23:46:00.001-04:00

As I get older Music seems more and more like a dream. And just as I'm losing my grip and desire, I get sent a sign that reignites my fire, and reminds me what I set out to do. Why I do what I do.

Words dont express or get across how much I appreciate the support from my friends/family/fans. YALL voted me #1 artist in the city, and I won 2nd. At first I was slightly disappointed, but I realised what I was really against, Major executive money. And for me to come so close..., it inspired me to go even harder!! Next time I'm bringin home the gold!! lol. Back to the point.

I wouldnt be able to do what I do, get the recognition, or joy If it wasnt for you guys!!! Nor would I want to. My whole purpose was to inspire and help, but this week/month, you all inspired me!! Especially during a time where music is so... lost.

I LOVE YALL!! Thanks for everything, I'm DEFINATELY bringin home the gold next time. This is just the beginning. I look forward to entertaing/inspiring everyone I can, for as long as I can!! Thanks again!

The TIME IZ NOW

Poll results can be found here: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/bestofdc/2010/artsandentertainment/readerspoll/best-local-hip-hop-artist

I HAVE THE BEST FANS EVER!!!

2010-03-06T13:55:00.003-05:00

Some one made this for me, Its crazy. Thank you dear sir!! lol Please take three seconds and vote for me as best artist in Washington DC!!

I Swear I Got The BEST FANS EVER!! I Love Yall!!! Please keep it goin Vote! http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/bestofpoll/nominees/1362/vote

Edit*

Everyone that has voted check your email for confirmation and "submit vote"!! Thank you!

WNAC: Samples

2010-03-06T01:34:00.005-05:00

Albeit I only used 2 samples but W/e here they are lol

http://drop.io/WNACSamples

WNAC Radio: Release (Fans Only)

2010-03-05T19:54:00.036-05:00

http://acethetime.bandcamp.com/album/wnac-radio<<<<>

Today I release all the tracks from my once lost, '08 mixtape, "WNAC:RADIO". Think of it as spring cleaning. I feel these need to be release in order for me to move forward. Its actually two forms of closure. My best friend /Brother Justin Holman died in a car crash in the middle/end of me tracking/finishing it. I did what I could to wrap it up but, I'm a completely different person now. I actually like most of these but I'm not there anymore, nor do I have the influences I had. Once he died, my group pretty much went its seperate ways, and my sense of competition, support, and comradery pretty much dissipated.

I had really High hopes for it but, everything happens for a reason so I'm at peace with releasing the tracks. Hopefully you guys appreciate it as much as it helped me grow--

{Tr.1 Intro/Rain

Reminicint of when people listened to the radio. The whole project was for those people that, were sick of nothing being on the radio/the same ol BS. Rain: I got the sample off FP, it was a rainy season and fit the vibe to me lol simple. No real story.

Tr.2 Organizin

This track was just to be an Instrumental. Live drums, Bongos etc. Creative, and Sounded like "The drive to be free".

Tr.3 I Aint Got Time

I Aint got time has to be one of my favorite tracks I've recorded yet. Everything just came together lol. Kick, Synths It all just came together. LOVE IT!!!

Tr.4 Cant B Life Freestyle

This joint was by my homie Unknown. It was the last song that needed to be finished. He wanted some beats and I played this joint. He went off!! lol so much so he had to do a freestyle. 3 of 'em!! well, his songs are basically freestyles though so *Shrug*. The last 2 were actual "Songs". Killed it!

Tr.5 Ms. Hershey Kiss

Aww man this song is also one of my favorites. I like to make the ladies feel welcomed. Everyone else wanna call'em bitches and get all X rated, naw, we need this joint set off right. It does just that, I tested lol. The other half is, Its for the dark skinted ladies, Propaganda to love yall selves. All women need to love themselves. Theres video of me performing this somewhere, will up load.

Tr.6 No Runnin:

No Runnin is a Dope beat with dope lyrics, delivery, not executed well IMO. It was more in my mind. Its dope in hindsight, but you know...Hindsight is 20/20.

Tr.7 Cant Do It Alone

Cant do it alone is a track I had to do ALONE cause my peoples couldnt get it together enough to do the track. I did a collab with an Artist/Producer Jace, So I gave it to him, he killed it.

Tr.8 Chronicals of the Unknown Round 1

Take two, So I explained the situation earlier, this was at the point where he had an hour to finnish the track before he had to catch the bus back to Jersey. He wasnt feelin any of his takes so it was takin a minute just to do that lol. At the end I just layed a hook on the joint, w/e lol.

Tr.9 Oh No

Made this beat, joint sounded.... like, you cant be touched. Fresh, Fly, all those stereotypes. Song speaks for it self lol. It went through alot of changes, It is/was just really REALLY raw sounding. Even when processed lol. Dont judge me.

Tr.10 I Aint Got Time RMX

The REMIX!!! 1st is Unknown, Freestyled of coarse. 2nd is ILLWill, Sraight Killage 3rd is Tone, my brotha from another mother. It was hard as a mug gettin them all together to do this but it came out dope!! enjoy!

Tr.11 Chronicals of the Unknown Round 2

The last take. He didnt like any of'em but Secretly, I kept all the takes and turned them into a trilogy. Dope concept and execution. Its a victim of a Bad situation tho.

Tr.12 Counting Lost Countries Freestyle

A small freestyle, It was around the time the economy was falling, katrina and a bunch of scandals were comin into the light. It felt like america was REALLY, unignore-ably gettin lost. Unfortunately nothing really changed, It got kinda worse.

Tr.13 I See (Memories)

This joint felt like a reminisce track. I Imagined me, walkin down a street reminiscing. Story telling, it was also a challenge, the tempo was a switch up for me. Felt like spilling thoughts and feelings on my school days.

Tr.14 Just tribute:

This track takes me right back to that night, I made the beat the night I found out (The night he died). After coming from his families house, I couldn't sleep. One of the last things he said was, "Ace keep doing your music man" so I did just that. That Wednesday, I had a performance with a good friend (Eubonics, Look'em up) and dedicated it to him. I didn't rap at all for a good while. This verse was the first verse I spit since he died. Recording it was crazy weird lol, I mean i started to talk and nothing really came out! it was like I forgot how to talk lol.

Either way, Hindsight I'm glad I told him I Loved'em before we hung up. Always tell people... anyone that means anything to you, how you feel. Another second is never promised.}

-In Conclusion

I wish I couldve done this tape the way I wanted but situations need what they need. I just believe its for the best. It feels good to ATLEAST release them, they deserved that.

The future:

4 more Mixtapes to go this year still working on 3 of'em. I will redo the concept over, in all its planned glory, later. I'm excited to bring it to light, and look forward to your thoughts!!

Contributing Artists Info:

Unknown-

Jace EJ- New http://www.myspace.com/chuck90s Old http://www.myspace.com/jacestea

Why Lyrics = $$$ (Illdoctrine.com)

2010-03-03T18:13:00.003-05:00

Great points, I LOVE IT

Are You Dead?: A thought provoking read

2010-02-17T18:48:00.002-05:00

http://www.alumniroundup.com/2010/02/are-you-dead-an-editorial-by-david-banner/

Copy/Pasted

Dope read from David Banner, Are You Dead??

If situations dictate actions, what are the consequences of inactivity? This question is more relevant today than it has ever been for the Black community. Here’s another pertinent question, are we a dead people?

How can a people be dead you may ask? If by dead we mean “unresponsive”, no longer “significant”, “stagnant”, “without resonance”, “inactive” or “no longer productive”, can the Black community then be considered dead? Some examples may prove instructive.

The power to define is one of the hallmarks of an independent people. It speaks directly to the issue of control. As a community what or who controls our everyday thoughts and ideas? Are we programmed by the packaged stories and images from the corporate controlled media, which in turn renders us “no longer productive” of our own thoughts? Did we, for example, uncritically swallow the dominant narrative that underscored the coverage of the Haitian earthquake? A narrative that unconsciously suggested that the poverty and blight of the Haitian people were of their own making and had nothing at all to do with the invasions, the oppressive policies and the isolation implemented by Western nations since the very founding of the island nation? In short, did we define our thoughts or did we allow our thoughts to be defined?

Economically, we are surely “stagnant” and “inactive”. While the national unemployment rate is currently around 9%, the official unemployment rate for Black America is at 16%. Add to this that fact that, during the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression, Blacks still earn only 62 cents for every dollar earned by Whites. In the face of these stark realities, recent polling shows that (a) nearly 40% of Blacks currently believe that “the situation of Black people in this country” has improved over the last five years and (b) that the Black-White economic gap has gotten smaller (Pew, 2010). What is astounding about these beliefs are the facts that (a) just three years ago, only 20% of Blacks felt that our situation in this country had improved (but nearly twice as many do now) and (b) the Black-White economic gap has continued to increase since 2000. Now, in the last three years, what can account for this drastic divergence of Black opinion from the grim, economic reality? That’s right….. the election of President Obama. So, in effect, the “unresponsiveness” to our dire economic condition and the inability of our bleak financial reality to “resonate” with us is based solely on the election of one Black person to a political office. Is this not a textbook example of a dead people?

In closing, God says in the book of Hosea, “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee.” My question to you is, are you a seeker of knowledge or a rejecter of it? Do you define your own thoughts and reality or do you have it defined for you? The biggest tool of the powerful are those who refuse to question. Do you educate yourself? Do you empower yourself? Do you question?

While we all were born, and to a degree, remain ignorant, it is the quest to WANT to know that makes you smarter.

Are you dead?

Productivity advise: Managing media attention

2010-02-17T16:53:00.003-05:00

http://mashable.com/2010/02/17/social-media-attention/

Copy/Paste

Great thoughts on managing what/How you put your attention. Wrote for social media but rings true for all thing that require Focus/Attention.

1. Know the External Reflects the Internal

“The biggest (and hardest) lesson I’ve learned in life is that the external world is just a reflection of the world within.” — Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos

One of the essential questions for those of us who live active social media lives is, “Where should I put my attention? How much of my attention should I give to Facebook, Twitter, Google Buzz, YouTube, or another site?”

However, while the amount of our attention that we give to social media is important, so is the quality of that attention. It is hard to give our full attention to anything when internally we are feeling overwhelmed and unfocused. Our internal state gets mirrored in the external world, so even though we may spend a lot of time on social media sites, it may not be spent productively.

Taking time to settle your mind when you notice yourself off balance or overwhelmed — whether it is through a walk, a visit to the gym, or whatever works for you — can shift the state of your internal world such that you have a greater chance of making your time on social media more effective.

Lesson: Balance the internal before taking action in the external.

2. Do One Thing at a Time

“When people try to perform two or more related tasks either at the same time or alternating rapidly between them, errors go way up, and it takes far longer — often double the time or more — to get the jobs done than if they were done sequentially.” — David E. Meyer, director of the Brain, Cognition, and Action Laboratory at the University of Michigan

I know this may sound counter-intuitive, but give it a try. Whatever you are doing, put all your attention on that. This means resisting the tendency to multi-task. In fact, a recent study at Stanford found that the more people multi-task, the worse they become at it.

Yes, that’s right — the more you do it, the worse at it you get. The illusion, of course, is that the busier we are, and the more we “do,” the more we accomplish. The research, curiously, paints a different picture.

Instead of checking Twitter or Facebook while also talking on your cell, finish one first, then do the next.

Lesson: Put all your attention on whatever you are doing at any given moment.

3. Invite Instead of Force

“Do or do not. There is no try.” — Yoda

The idea that the harder we try, the more we will get done, and the happier we will be is a myth. Of course, some effort is needed in any endeavor, but the real question is, “what kind of effort are we putting forth?” We have all likely met people who work like mad at their endeavors, including social media, yet consistently get very few results.

Some time ago I interviewed George Mumford, the sports psychologist who helped Chicago Bulls players during the Michael Jordan era get “in the zone” (he later also helped Los Angeles Lakers players). He said that the first thing he often tells players is that “if they try to get in the zone, they can’t.” Instead, it involves an open alert attention, and the same applies to our social media lives.

Trying too hard, whether it is to make a basketball shot, gather more followers on Twitter, or increase sales of a product, creates tension that impedes our work. We cannot force these things, but we can invite them through a balanced, steady effort.

Lesson: Engage with a focused and open attention that invites instead of forces.

4. Know Where Your Attention is Most Needed

“When players practice what is known as mindfulness — paying attention to what’s actually happening — not only do they play better and win more, they also become more attuned to each other.” — Phil Jackson, who has won a record 10 NBA Championships as a coach

How many times have you been talking with someone, and the person’s cell phone rings, and without even knowing who it was or if it was important, the person immediately vacated your conversation to take the call? It was not even a choice. He or she was attentive to you for one second, and then poof! The person was mentally gone the next.

Of course, there are times to take calls and respond via text while with a friend, but if we are not careful in the age of social media, our attention can get bounced around like a ping pong ball, from this call, to that text message, to that tweet, such that by the end of the day we are exhausted. Mindfulness, or attention to the present moment, is lost. We spent our day “chasing,” letting others determine our focus, not choosing for ourselves where to put our attention and attending to the tasks most important to us.

Lesson: Ask yourself where your attention is most needed and direct it there.

Conclusion

In the coming years, the amount information at our disposal is only likely to increase. When Google recently launched Google Buzz, their team addressed the challenges of this information era, saying, “we want to present some tools and techniques to help you manage your attention better.” While this is partly a technological problem, it is also an internal and life balance problem.

The challenge of our time is to live connected and use all the great social media available to us, while at the same time harness and direct our attention where it is most needed at any given time. After all, where we decide to put our attention is, essentially, how we choose to spend our life.

Please let us know in the comments: how do you stay balanced and focused amidst an active social media lifestyle?

Great Perspective: The Homless MC

2009-12-26T00:35:00.001-05:00

"HipHop is from the heart" enjoy

You Know What I MISS: IMAGERY

2009-11-09T01:11:00.007-05:00

I was thinking about what ACTUALLY has changed from the "golden era" to now. And, it just hit me!! :::Imagery::: desciption of action. I mean, you know!!! Verb, its what you do!!

Back then, MCs(eminem for example) focus was painting a picture with their words and tone. Punchlines were actually relevant, like an empty canvas, the colors were tools to a bigger picture. NOW, its more about flow, and stringing together a bunch of buzz words.

Around 2005(Give or Take) Battling became really big, and alot of non-Battlers started jumping into it. Them being non-warriors they memorized pre-written verses and a had their homies back them up (I call this the "Homie Tactic") Most were not used to being funny/witty so they used their few minutes to shoot random threats instead of picking apart their opponents verse!... heres where it ALL starts/started!!

This (The homie tactic) pretty much killed, (one of my all time favorite things to do), the BATTLE!! Everyone started getting tired of battles coming down to who had the most people.It got to the point where each sides crew was SPITTIN THE WHOLE VERSE WIT'EM. S.M.H!!

From the battle, Hiphop moved into a much MUCH more commercial form. for example, Bringin in much more advertisments, Urban America Assimilating hiphop into disney, talk shows and so forth. Hiphop, in a sense became Even MORE universal!! if thats possible? Jay-z (I personally believe) set the new standard. A Focus on Flow, and use of PLENTY of buzz words. All his videos were pretty much commercials lol. Then 50 cent came into the picture. Pause!..

Now, both these artists have pretty good imagery, so what's the PROBLEM??

When 50 came, he brought beef, and lots of it! Hip hop became shrouded in Beef, not so much a battle. They(The audience) wanted to know who was hardest, who could destroy whos career, not who would destroy the other on wax (...Again).

Now More Recently!!...

The dreaded south movement (Dum Dum Dum!!). Though I dont need to explain, I will (in about 11 words)>>> Shawty, shack ya ass in the club, do my dance hey!<<< LOL (Sidenote: Hey, Aye, etc. are interchangable). Harsh?? thats debateable, but the fact is the last 5-7 years can be summed up in those 11 words. ALL lyrical everything have been erased, Tone and flow are all that exist. This is Exactly where imagery is seperated from the mainstream...and Thats about it!!!

Flash Forward to now!!

The healing has begun, but...the focus is still on PURE HYPE ENERGY, Not PURE HYPE HIP HOP or even RAP!!! its straight pop!! The style and the focus are on being just hype. The beats coupled with tone and flow are what made things possible. The Trend of the last 10 years, has gotten in the way of one of my biggest joys of MUSIC, the imagery!!!

For the record Lil Jon Was tight, Ti-"Trap Music" was classik, and devin the dude, scarface and outkast are just a few of the southern greats. Its not just the south.

In closing, a few of my favorite Lines that made me imagine:....

My Mind was like fine wine measured in time- Joe budden- The Future

I need a crowbar to get chicks removed from my (Chill!) Big L- MVP (I think of the top of my head)

I gotta lion in my pocket, I'm lyin I gotta nine in my pocket and baby I'm just diein to cock it// its ready for war I'm ready for! I got machetes and sword for any fagot that said he was raw// My metals AS heavy as yours yea u met me before// I just didnt have this much an arsenal of weapons before// Marshal'll step in the door I'll lay your head on the floor// Wit ya body on the bedspread red on the wall// red on the ceiling, red on the floor// get a new hore, met 2nd met on the 3rd and she's dead on the floor// I'm dead wrong Biggie feat. Eminem- Dead Wrong

All these artists whole catalogues are really full of'em lol

Be Easy! Dueces!!
Ps. Support Real Artists not music businessmen, theres a big difference. Maybe my next blog'll be about them...

#Random Thought: Why is Hiphop such a sausage fest

2009-08-23T02:31:00.003-04:00

WHERE THE FEMALES AT?

Now...if I was at a party I'd ditch dat joint ASAP, but hiphops more like a religion to me. Its hard to just part ways like that, but it sucks that its all dudes. I love the females, and alot of them have meaningful things to say (not to mention good at saying it) so why arent many getting heard or even speaking these days? I'm not talking about the ones that act like dudes, I mean the girly ones!! lol.

i know its cool to be gay these days but is it that strong that artist/tastemakers arent letting them shine or is there more? is it a self motivation thing? self confidence thing? Dont want to be bothered/ realise how much work is involed or just dont have the time??? I wonder! send me a upcoming dope female MC I'll help her...

Is Hip Hop Irrelevant???

2009-08-22T00:37:00.000-04:00

Lately it seems no one wants to rap any more. Not only that but people don't even want to LISTEN to it.

Some of my closest friends who would freestyle ALL DAY, literally aren't even workin on songs. Some of my friends turned to more business aspects (puttin on events, Managing producers) others focused on making beats. All these people were diehard for what they do, but now they are compltetly uninterested(neglectin writing, leavin projects complety abandoned) Why is this??

While passing out CDs, I realised most people don't even want to be bothered with "on foot"musicians and understandably so. We live in a society full of spam, in all aspects but moreso music and musicians tryin to "put you on" to the "hottest music in the city". Even close friends didn't listen to my latest project for weeks. When askd they said they just haven't gotten around to listening to It (though they later loved it); but in a way that they just seemed uninterested in music in general.-

(Which takes me back to a time when you got a CD u'd rock that joint as soon as possible.)

-No more discussions about music, your favorite rappers, even your favorite producers. No more favorite songs, or even inspiring upcoming artists. Though Maintream has its major problems with wackness, this feeling is both in the mainstream and the underground.

Combine this with music sales, and just the overall tone of society(media, blogs)
I can't help but feel HIP HOP IS IRRELEVANT. Even RnB feels like its slowly falling to the wayside.

Hiphop isn't dead imo, its in the corner! goin unnoticed by the people that once loved him.

My solution we need music that can be listened to at anyday anytime for all situations. DIVERSITY is key, plus a change in direction topicwise (ie. From Mc Donalds to a sort of whole foods).But even moreso! THE FANS need to support artists and let them know directly what they are feelin and what direction they'd want their artist to go in!!

P.S. Dont let people dikride other artists, Call them out!

Rant over lol what yall think?

Just to catch up: Dave Chappelle Baby on the corner

2009-06-21T12:05:00.003-04:00

i case you havent seen "Killin em softely". YOU NEED TO GET UP ON IT! heres one of my favorite parts.