Tuesday, November 20, 2012
MoSneaks: Jordan 4 "Bred" Comparison
MoSneaks: Jordan 4 "Bred" Comparison: With this week being slated as the best sneaker release week ever, we decided to take a look at the Air Jordan Retro 4 "Bred" and compare th...
Sunday, February 26, 2012
DId MTV’s Braintrust get theTop Ten Hottest MC’s right?
The list goes as follows:
10) Wale
Wale came in 10th, but really if you ask me Wale should’ve been ranked higher. Wale has definitely pays his dues within the industry; his lyrical ability is better than some of the notables on this list. Hopefully Wale will be placed higher on next years list.
9) Wiz Khalifa
Wiz has been tearing up the charts, and staying relevant with hot mix tapes, clever collaborations. Initially, Wiz was named the 8th Hottest MC in the game, but after a heated roundtable argument Wiz was bumped down to 9th. Disappointing!
8) Big Sean
Much like half of the artist on this list Big Sean made his debut on his Top Ten debut. Sean’s albums sales were substantive, his fan-base was broad, his lyrics were nice, and style was original. Although I had Sean 10th on my list, I can live with him being 8th.
7) Meek Mill
Has had a great year! He has been relevant from start to finish, and is arguably as responsible for Mabach Music Group (MMG) relevance as it boss Rick Ross. After releasing Ima Boss, and Tupac Back on the Self Made Vol 1 Album, Meek released the Dreamchasers mix tape; collaborated with some big names in the industry, and went on to sign a deal with Ecko Clothing to launch his own line Dreamchasers. Meek Mill earned my respect this year and he’s well deserving of the number 7 spot.
6) Jay Z
Let the controversy begin. Many members of the MTV brain trust had questions about Jay Z’s place on this list. In fact, I had major questions about Jay Z place on the list. Outside of his Watch The Throne contributions, Jay did nothing to qualify for this years list, but my opinion means nothing.
5) Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne is another member on this list that has had an awesome year. After his release from jail Wayne released “Six Foot Seven Foot” as the lead single for the Carter IV, and mix tape Sorry 4 The Wait. Wayne’s year was so good that two of the top four artist on the list are his understudies. The braintrust had a interesting debate about who should be deem the fourth and fifth hottest mc.
4) Nikki Minaj
Quickly went from being Lil Wayne protégé, to Hip Hop’s brightest Barbie. Nikki’s Pink Friday album reached platinum status, within a couple of weeks. This is great for any MC, let alone a female. Her intriguing style, charismatic lyrics, and marketability her supplanted her as a force to be reckoned with.
3) Kanye West
Here’s another case of an artist being raked to high on this list, however I can live with Kanye West positions. After releasing the platinum LP “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”. Kanye Collaborated with his big brother Jay Z to release one of the most anticipated albums of the year” Watch The Throne. Kanye’s beats, controversial verses, and fashion sense won over the brain trust.
2) Drake
Although he didn’t release his sophomore LP until the fourth quarter, Drake dominated the previous three quarters with memorable collaborations. Drakes blend between hot lyrics, and melodic notes has made him a household name. In fact, his blend may ultimately be his downfall. Several brain trust members didn’t give Drake the number one spot, because his singing has a tendency outshine his lyrics. Nevertheless, Drake has compiled an impression resume, and I look forward to hearing from him in the future.
1) Rick Ross
Despite having a pair of freighting seizures, Rick Ross the Boss had an incredible year. His MMG album did well, signees Wale; and Meek Mill top the charts, and his “God Forgives I Don’t mix tape” took the streets by storm. Rick Ross definitely deserves all the praise he’s receiving, his hard work is paying off.
To conclude, MTV’s highly anticipated Hottest MC list comes up short again. Yes, I’m pleased with most of the artist on the list, however it could have better. Am I the only one that noticed that nine out of the ten artists on this list are affiliates of each other? Wiz Khalifa is the only artist on this list that’s isn’t directly affiliated with MMG, YMCMB, or G.O.O.D Music/Roc Nation. I hope next years list is better, the fans deserve more.
Sources:
MTV Hottest MC In The Game VII. MTV Music shows news movies. http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/733039/wale-kicks-off-hottest-mcs-countdown-at-10.jhtml#id=1679021
Sunday, February 12, 2012
WHitney Houston
Why is it our most talented artist, become our most troubled? Is there a correlation between great talents, and drugs? I know, it’s a harsh question to ask, but reality begs to differ. Truth is, the great talents of our day had troubling vices that ultimately ended their illustrious career. Judy Garland, Robert Earl Davis Jr. Jimmy Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Phyllis Hyman, Michael Jackson, Elvis Pressley, Robert Quince, Jon Richie, David Ruffin, Ike Turner, Kurt Cobain, DJ Screw, Pimp C, Amy Winehouse, and most recently Whitney Houston. Drugs use slowed the profound career of Whitney Houston, and although the cause of death is unknown many believe that drugs contributed.
Houston stemmed from a soul singing family, her mother Cissy Houston, cousin Dionne and Dee Dee Warrick, and Godmother Aretha Franklin. Whitney’s vocal inflections grasp the world like none before her. Her powerful voice recorded seven studio albums, and three gracious movie soundtracks. Houston’s eclipse gold, platinum, multi-platinum, or diamond on all of her musical LP’s. Houston’s resume shows that she was a highly celebrated artist, selling over 170 million records, and winning 415,out of 562 awards throughout her career. In fact Guinness Book of World Records deemed her the most award winning female of all time; below are her most notable awards:
Awards Wins Nominations
Grammy 6 22
NAACP 16 32
Soul Train 7 15
People’s Choice 6 9
Emmy 1 2
AMA 22 37
Billboard 30 *
RIAA 99 *
Houston was the first woman to win BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award. After receiving the award Houston expressed her joy by saying: It’s a wonderful marvelous feeling to be looked at, and not judged. Judge not for your flaws, but for your triumphs “Whitney Houston”. In addition, to winning numerous awards Houston’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner” has been deemed by the NFL as one the greatest 25 moments in NFL history. Houston rendition was the first National Anthem to be turned into a chart-topping hit twice.
Besides being a talented artist, and actor she did philanthropy work. Donating the proceeds from second release of the Star Spangled Banner to the American Red Cross. In 1989 she formed the “Whitney Houston Foundation for Children”. She raised over $1 million for charities at Nelson Mandela 70th birthday party, and she donated funds for her concert in South Africa to various charities in the country. In addition, East Orange New Jerseys, the Franklin School was renamed Whitney E. Houston Creative Academy.
At 3:55 pm Whitney Houston was pronounced dead by the Los Angeles police department, at the Beverly Hills Hilton. Houston’s passing gloomed Grammy weekend by striking those who gathered for the prestigious event. Probably none bigger than Clive Davis, whose famous pre Grammy party brought Houston to the Los Angeles Hotel. Reportedly Whitney Houston had just finish shooting “Sparkle” the 1976 movie that Houston acquired the rights to. According to Steven Zetichek:
“The original "Sparkle" told the story of the Williams sisters, a trio of 1950s-era Harlem singers whose stories were loosely inspired by the Supremes. Headed by Lonette McKee's Sister, the group also features Sister's sister Sparkle (Cara), Dolores (Dawn Smith) and several friends. As they begin to find success, though, Sister's life spirals out of control, with drug addiction eventually leading to her death”.
The saddest thing about Whitney’s death is that the drug facid of her life, is what people will most people will remember her for. Cunning, baffling, and powerful or what drugs become to its abusers. Drugs wait and do pushups with and your shortcomings, by strengthening its hold with every use. Drugs are the only condition you have to convince people that they have, and we often run to our stimulate vices when things go array, or to celebrate success without considering its harm. Drug addiction is the only real problem that presents itself as a solution, when its actually adds to your problem. Prescription drugs were found in Houston’s room, and are to believe to be the catalyst of her death.
I spent my Saturday afternoon in awe as CNN, and other networks covered Houston tragedy. I watched my mother hold back tears as she watched her favorite Whitney Houston’s videos on MTV, we sang, we remember, we mourned.
Drugs are the only condition you have to convinced people that they have. My favorite line, from my favorite Whitney song: If I should stay, I’ll only be in your way. So I’ll go but I know that I will think of you every step of the way. “ I will always love you”.
Zetichek, S. (2012) Whitney Houston's posthumous turn: As star of 'Sparkle' Retreieved
February 11, 2012 from: latimesblogs.latimes.com/.../whitney-houston-dead-beverly-hilton-48
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Value of a Business Plan from an Expert Standpoint
When I enrolled at Full Sail University last year, I couldn’t wait to embark upon the wealth of knowledge the program had to offer. Once the program began; I anticipated the context of the Business Plan Development course, however my anticipation did me no justice. Nothing I envisioned, prepared me for the capacity in which this course was taught. To professor Koch’s credit, I had factored his insight into my planning, and I look forward to seeing it come onto fruition.
Before BPD began, I thought the most important sections of a business plan were the Company Description, Financials, and Contingency plan. However, a host of industry experts beg to differ; Dave Lavinsky founder of Growthink.com believes that the key components of a business plan are the executive Summary, Company Analysis, Industry Analysis, Analysis of Customers and Competition, and Marketing Plan. Mark Zwilling CEO and founder of Startup Professionals, Inc. believes that the most important part of a business plan is ones Executive Summary.
According to bpexpertviews.blogspot.com Zwilling says some investors will not look at a plan that does not contain the Executive Summary. If you really don’t know what your plans are, you cannot effectively convey them to potential partners and investors. As an investor, Nic mentions the parts of the business plan that he looks at when deciding whether to go for that first meeting:
Summary of product
Evidence of momentum
Summary of Financials
Evidence of Ambition
Market Dynamics description
In my opinion an entrepreneur, and a stunt man are one in the same. Both are expert risk takers, and both are held accountable for their successes, or failures. With that being said; don’t assist a potential investor in telling you no: make sure you have covered every aspect of the plan. No one knows your plan like you, exhibit your passion, use your forethought, and trust yourself. Good Luck!!!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Business Plans are Vital!
Business plans are thought to be an illustration of ones visions, a guide to entrepreneurial success, and a persuasive calling card for potential lenders, and investors. For those who inherited businesses, or started them based on sheer talent and substantial experience, please proceed with caution. Operating a business without a business plan may work momentarily, but if the business owner is looking for long-term growth a business plan is needed. In fact, Oprah Winfrey and Mark Cuban stand by it.
Oprah Winfrey, and Mark Cuban are considered to be tycoons in the world of business. Each has attained a great deal of success in their respective industries, Oprah dominated the talk show arena, and Mark Cuban conquered everything from software to basketball. Although, they are totally different in personality they share one commonality and that understands the value of a business plan. Oprah views on business plans echo’s the teaching of many business professors and programs everywhere.
According to Brewster Oprah states “writing a business plan will force you to consider the what-ifs and tiny costs you might overlook”. Business plans will allow an entrepreneur to see exactly what he, or she will need to do to turn a profit in the respective industry. Mark Cuban is a big believer in helping entrepreneurs achieve success by investing in profitable business plans. During the economic decline in 2009 Mark Cuban proclaimed that he would start his own stimulus plan on his personal blog (www.blogmaverick.com ).
In an effort to boost the economy he urged business owners to post their business plan on his site, and let aspiring entrepreneurs to replicate it. Cuban stated, “if it’s a good idea and worth funding, we want it replicated elsewhere. The idea is not just to help you, but to figure out how to help the economy through hard work and ingenuity.” (Cuban, 2009) On the show Shark Tank Mark displays a high level of charisma, and aggression when he’s dealing with entrepreneurs. Mark knows how to make money, and he does not mind investing in others that know how. The critical and key components these two business tycoons are looking for are consistency, and profitability. A well thought-out plan can lead to a bevy of profits.
Reference:
Burhoe, S. (2011). Expert views on business plans. Retrieved January 7th, 2012 from,
Cuban, M. (2009) The Mark Cuban Plan – Open Source Funding. Retrieved January
7th, 2012 from website,
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Good Music/Roc Nation vs Young Music/Cash Money
Wow! I just took at look at the latest Hip-Hop, and R&B Billboard chart, and to my surprise, Good Music/Roc Nation and Cash Money/Young Money dominated numbers 1 – 10. When I say dominated, I mean dominated!
1) Jay Z/Kanye West – Ni**as In Paris
2) Beyoncé ft. Andre 3000 - Party
3) Wale ft. Miguel – Lotus Flower Bomb
4) Big Sean ft. Nicki Minaj – Dance (A$$)
5) Lil Wayne ft. Drake – She Will
6) Drake – Headlines
7) Wale ft. Jeremiah & Rick Ross- That Way
8) Drake ft. Nicki Minaj- Make Me Proud
9) T – Pain ft. Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen – 5 O’clock
10) Rick Ross ft. Nicki Minaj – You The Boss
In addition, the two conglomerates held position 11, 12, 13, 14, and 19.
Cash Money/Young Money Lil Wayne Carter IV installment recently went double platinum according to the RIAA. Wayne released the Carter IV three months on August 29th, and since its release the Carter IV has become the highest selling rap album, and the highest selling album by a male since 2008. In fact, Wayne was the last male rapper to eclipse this plateau with his Carter III album in 2008. Granted Jay Z, Kanye West, Drake, T.I., and Ludacris have all recorded platinum albums in the last three years, but none of them have outsold Wayne. In addition, Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” LP, was the only LP that outsold the Carter IV.
Cash Money/ Young Money affiliates; Drake, Nikki Manij, T-Pain, DJ Khaled, and Rick Ross have all enjoyed recent success in the rap game. In fact they are all platinum-selling artist. DJ Khaled recently received a Triple platinum plaque for his LP “I’m on One”, which is significant because DJ Khaled is just that; a DJ! It seems like every album they drop, and every single they release does extremely well despite the music industries hard ships.
Good Music/Roc Nation is doing extremely well. Jay Z and Kanye West “Watch the Throne LP is certified platinum. Beyoncé’s “4” album went platinum, Rhianna is all over the air way, and J. Cole is close to going Gold. Big Sean has sold a sufficient amount of records, Pusha T is killing the mix tape game; Willow Smith, Melanie Fiona, Common, and Kid Cuddi are set to release. In addition to having superstar line-up, Jay Z has an absurd deal with Live Nation the live entertainment and eCommerce company.
I find it absolutely amazing that over 90% of the music being played on Hip-Hop/ R&B stations comes from these conglomerates. They are ahead in downloads, album sales, and singles. Is it Money, is it the name, or are they making Good Music/Roc Nation and Young Money/Cash Money are setting the standard rather we like it or not
Sources:
www.RocNation.com
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Mannie Fresh Dropping Knowledge
When I say Mannie you say Fresh! Mannie Fresh! Mannie Fresh! When I say Mannie you say Fresh; Mannie Fresh! Mannie Fresh! Mannie Fresh is and always will be considered a Super Producer by those who truly know, and appreciate his work. Born Byron O. Thomas and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana; Fresh was introduced to music by his father at a very young age. During his adolescent days Fresh began accompanying his father who was a neighborhood DJay, at local clubs, and house parties. Fresh was amazed by the response his father received when he played, and was inspired to do the same. In a interview with Slava Kuperstein Fresh stated
"My Christmas gifts used to be instruments," explained Fresh. "I was like,
'Okay, my friend got a bike. Why did I get a turntable?' Or somebody got an.
Atari game. I got a trumpet. I was just like, 'Okay, this stuff is just starting
to stack up.' [Laughs] My dad must've seen something in me. I would say
somewhere around twelve is when I took an interest in it. Like, you know
what? I'm just gonna go through my pile of what I thought was junk at the
time: my keyboard, my drum machine, horns and all that, and start fiddling
around with it”.
Fresh is most commonly known for his stint with Cash Money Records, in fact Fresh help catapult Cash Money into a major conglomerate. From 1993 – 20005 Fresh produced a plethora of music for CMR, but abruptly left the conglomerate when he and the label heads began to dispute over royalties. Fresh’s departure from Cash Money was immediately felt by Hip Hop world, in fact its been rumored that his departure hurt the sell of Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter II” album. After leaving Cash Money Mannie Fresh signed with Def Jam South and started his own label Chubby Boy Records.
Mannie Fresh is, and will always be one of my favorite producers. I grew up on his work, I know his tracks when I hear them, and I would love to work with him in the near future. Mannie Fresh is a great inspiration for anyone looking to be successful in the music industry. What does the name Mannie Fresh mean to me? It means Cash Money, it means amazing drum patterns, it means greatness!
Sources:
Kuperstein, S. (2011). Mannie Fresh Talks Getting Started In Music, Early Days Of Cash Money. Retrieved November 27, 2011 from: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17754/title.mannie-fresh-talks-getting-started-in-music-early-days-of-cash-money
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