Just A Thought

What I mean to say was ... See thoughts always seem to come out wrong or on too strong And here I am left begging to be heard Pleading to be understood But nothing seems to come out right It’s confused, misinterpreted, offensive hurtful But not at all what I meant Our minds are so loud We can’t hear because we’re so turned up about everything Things going on in our lives, our insecurities and flaws that we can’t hear the words spoken We can’t take words for what they are without ulterior motives Why I can’t I just mean what I say without nuances of underlying ideas, thoughts or sarcasm. Why don’t you hear me when I’m speaking? Feel the desperation in my breaths Why aren’t you comforted by the gentleness in my eyes? Why can’t you talk to me without any threat of being attacked? That’s not what I meant at all And now I’m swallowing vowel sounds And choking on consonants Completely uncertain on appropriate verbiage and dying in silence Afraid to misspeak, to be misrepresented by my own words How can we talk?

Dope Writers - Frank Ocean

It has taken me a while to get on this boat ... one because he is just a bit strange, let's just get that out there in the open. But I realize I like Novacane a lot. I think it's a great song. I really like the vibe. I also was browsing through the Beyonce 4 credits and I saw that he was a co-writer on I Miss You. This record is really low key and easy going but it is something I really like about it. The simplicity. I'm not sure how involved he was in vocal production but I like the way she sings this record. The melody is slightly off beat at certain points which I enjoy.

Check it out!

Dope Writers - Diane Warren

This is one of my favorite songs ever ... I just remember being young and not being all that familiar with Aerosmith. But when I heard this song .... wow, it just really hit me. And I know this was a stretch from the normal music that they do. But this really made me pay attention to them. It wasn't until a while later that I saw Diane Warren on Oprah and learned that she was the songwriter behind such timeless hits. Please check it out and enjoy!

Prepare for What You Ask For

If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time asking for things to happen in your life. For me it’s in prayers, constantly asking for many things but especially advancement in my career. But I realize that especially in those moments when I am at my wit’s end, God really decides to make moves in my life. And as much as I ask for things, in the moments when something I asked for is right in front of my face, I have a moment of apprehension, which makes absolutely no sense.

Most recently, I have just really been meditating on getting my blog together and having more opportunities for my songwriting. I have received some of the most random text messages and emails in regard to writing that it creeped me out! And my pastor recently spoke about unrecognized resources. These opportunities have been coming from people that aren’t even necessarily in music.

It’s amazing when you find yourself actually receiving the answers you are looking for. But I am realizing you have to be prepared for the things that you are asking for. You have to be ready. Often we approach our prayers without the faith and trust that they will actually be answered. So we don’t even know how to receive the great things that are happening to us because of what we prayed for.

I’ve decided to face these opportunities head on. No matter how afraid I am, I know that these are the things that I have hoped for. I have to tap into the confidence that God clearly intended me to have. He clearly only threw me the bone because he felt that I was ready. Why do we second guess ourselves so often? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen … Sometimes our faith brings forth things we never thought we’d see.

Dope Writers - Andre 3000

So .... I was talking to someone today about Dope Writers and they mentioned Andre 3000 and I had to agree. The Love Below was CLASSIC. I mean outside of the fact that he is just a dope lyricist. This is one of my favorite songs probably ever. Just so vibed out. And one night I had the pleasure of hearing a cover by one of the Aaries sisters. (You know they're twins, I can't remember which one it was. lol.) But she murdered it! So anyway ... Check it out!
Prototype_ Outkast the love below by lasc35

A night out ...

The music you believe in. You have to support it. If you don’t you can’t be mad that no one else will. It’s as simple as the saying, “be the change you want to see.” You won’t see good music be successful if you aren’t supporting it. You can’t wonder why artists are being dropped and download their CD illegally. It doesn’t work like that. Get out to a live show, buy a CD, do something to support. I have been so fortunate over the last year or so to really meet some extraordinary artists. Many signed to labels but still in the daily grind of making their name and space in this industry. Tonight I got to get out to see Nikki Jean’s show at World Café Live. She’s a great artist. The music feels really honest. She’s quirky and has fun on stage. And she put together a project with amazing writers! From Carole King to Bob Dylan to Thom Bell, the project has something for everybody. I really felt inspired to write after hearing a few of the songs from the project. There really aren’t too many artists that I consider myself a fan of, but I really see something special there. Maybe because she writes the songs that I want to. I sometimes feel like the songs I like to write the most are probably the ones I would have to sing myself. But I’m not a singer, so I’m working on it. As much as I love to see vocalists bring the songs I write to life, I know that there will be a point where I want to just go for broke on songs about the moon and stars that no one else will want to sing. Ha! And I’m fine with that. I look forward to strengthening my chops on guitar and letting it rip. In the meantime, you should definitely check out Pennies in a Jar. My fingers are crossed that it has a break out year, Esperanza style. We need this in music, I think anyway. Looking forward to indulging in the album I purchased. Support the music you love.

#Random - Q Covers 1+1

So I am not sure why this happens but for the most part, I don't like certain songs until I hear them from another artist. Sometimes the artist just doesn't connect even though the song is really good. Well, I like Beyonce's version of 1+1 of course, but I was floored when I heard Q do his rendition. Something about the clarity of his voice is amazing! Also, I remember thinking that 112 was one of the most talented groups ever! I mean all of them could sing really well and with different tones, which seems to be missing from music today! Everyone sounds the same. Anyway, enjoy Q singing a cover of 1+1. Those runs .... Just make me angry. lol.

I was just thinking ...

I realize that I can’t make everyone want more. It’s been a hard realization to come to, but definitely something I need to get over. I have this thought in my head that most people have sooooo much more potential than the world will ever see. But somehow people become so content with their lives. Never even thinking of the possibilities of how to do something so much greater in their lives than work and come home every day and do it all over again until they die! I guess there is this weird space needed for people like that. But I think to myself, what a great world we would live in if everyone tried to live up to their fullest potential … but I am sure there would be some other problems. Granted there can’t be all leaders in this world, but I even mean being the best follower you can be sometimes. Lol. But really, I just feel as though I am constantly around amazing people that don’t even know their WORTH. And it drives me nuts. I know that most of them are sick of me always trying to push them … but I appreciate a good push! It’s hard at times and you want to fuss people out, but you have to realize when a friend or close colleague is simply trying to make you better. I HATE SINGING …. But I know that it is something I have to get over. And even though I want to kill the producers that try to bring it out of me, I know that they’re right! So hopefully my friends and family don’t disown me for trying to get the good stuff out of them. For me … I feel like, we live and then we die. Why wouldn’t I want to strive for the things in life that will really satisfy me? And if God actually allows me a taste of the things that I dream … well then my life will completely be worth it. I believe that we need to consistently be striving towards better things and not just monetary and worldly things. I mean being a better person, a better friend … EVERYTHING. It really boggles my mind that people don’t want to improve their way of thinking, who they are as a person, or where they are in life … I just DON’T understand the mentality. And that’s what I have to come to grips with. I don’t understand it and I probably never will. My talent and purpose means everything to me. So I refuse not to live every day trying to reach my maximum potential. I won’t stop until the things that I write fuel my life, fund my expenses, and change the way people think or see things. I hope that eventually my walk can encourage others. God gave me this spirit and I am thankful.

Dope Writers - Solange

Sooooo many people hated on Solange doing music. No disrespect but I found myself a true fan of Solange's Hadley Street Dreams and I haven't bought a Beyonce album ever. I like her, I can just catch her on the radio. But I was blasting Solange on the regular bases. And she is a very talented writer! I think that she is very creative and RAW! Sometimes as a writer there are things I am afraid to say because of how they may be perceived. But I realize that is definitely an obstacle to overcome quickly. The music has to be honest and that is a very vulnerable place to be. Well ... Solange goes there! There are so many records that I love. But here is one that she co-wrote for her sister. "Why Don't You Love Me." Check it Out!

Dope Writers - Adam Levine

So besides being the only white boy I would take home to my mother, Adam Levine is one of my favorite songwriters of all time. The pure emotion and imagery in his lyrics, I can't help but feel it even if it's something I never went through before. This particular song ... I sing my heart out to consistently. I mean "Every time I wind up back at your door?" Who hasn't been there before? I love the arrangement. Written with bandmate Jesse Carmichael, this is one of my favorite Maroon 5 songs of all time. I mean "Moves Like Jagger" is cool and everything, but I love when Maroon is in this bag. Check it out!

Write Laugh Dream Photo Shoot

So I finally took the pictures to begin revamping the site! I am so excited. Sometimes we get so caught up in other projects and helping other people with their dreams that we forget about our own. I am so happy that lately I am back on the horse with focusing on the things that I need to get done. I hope to have at least 100 followers for the blog within the next month or so (so I need you guys help with that! Tell a friend to tell a friend) and I have really been working at getting things together. On Saturday, October 8, I had the pleasure of shooting with Ja’Reef Quayan who is a very dope photographer and Karim Rashad a great visual artist and brand manager. I was extremely nervous! As outgoing as I am, I am not used to being the center of attention in front of a camera. I have a newfound respect for models!!!! It is extremely hard work. Silly me, I thought the shoot wouldn’t take more than 2-3 hours. I don’t know where I could have possibly gotten that idea from. We ended up shooting from about 2pm – 8:30pm, which isn’t the longest amount of time, I know, but longer than I expected. There are so many intricacies that go into getting the right shots. How does your body look “bored,” lol. I learned new angles and ways to make my body look excited I guess. Haha. And for me standing for hours in high heels didn’t help! I was floored at the great job my friend Amanda Brown did on my make-up. I had never had someone who was a professional make-up artist do my face for me. I recommend every woman get made up at some point in her life and take pictures. Also make sure you check out Amanda’s facebook page and tutorials. Make-Up By Amanda Brown. Special thanks to my friend Shauntae, Dilemma, and Sigma Sound for helping me out as well. It really takes a lot out of you to shoot for a day. I was extremely exhausted by the time we were done and I still had two events to go to. It really made me understand how sometimes when you meet celebrities it seems like they have a whack personality. But honestly, I got it! I had absolutely nothing left by the time I got to the other two events. I can’t imagine if that was what my everyday was like. But in any case, seeing just the rough photos made it all worth it. Here are just a few silly shots from the shoot. Make sure you look out for the finished product in the next couple of weeks.

I was just thinking ...

I love Sundays. It really seems like the best day to take it easy. I mean God rested on the 7th day. Lol. But really, I like to enjoy church in the AM and then I am looking forward to BRUNCH in the afternoon. It is normally the best time to just reflect. A lot of times great conversation about the sermon ensues. It must be a ritual for many because a lot of brunch spots have the WORST wait times on Sunday. I’ve had so many great times chatting over waffles and omelets. Some of my favorite places to go are Green Eggs and Sabrina’s. If you haven’t already, you should definitely check them out some time.

Dope Writers - Claude Kelly

So I am a little late on this train, but I have been hearing so much about Claude Kelly lately. I was talking to one of my mentors, Ivan Barias and he said "Do you know who Claude Kelly is?" As I stared blankly he said "You wanna write songs, you need to know who Claude Kelly is," So after a quick google search, I was up to date. This is probably the only Miley Cyrus song I will ever hear in my life, but I love it. Such a feel good song, you can't help but jam to this. Check it out!

Chill Moody and Dilemma

So one of my fav producers to work with ... Dilemma teamed up with Chill Moody to create Stage 1 in The Gam3 Plan, which will be released October 10. Make sure you look out for that. I've heard a sneak peak and the songs are ridiculous! I'm glad I've had the chance to meet Chill Moody. I've heard his name all around Philly and now that we've run into each other on numerous occassions I really think he's a dope person and a hard worker. So SUPPORT his music! He also has a song on the Puzzle Pieces album with Khemist "Change Today." If you don't already have it, pick it up and be on the look out for new music! Two of the best and brightest from Philly! And check out www.mrhelloworld.com www.chillmoody.com

Money Can't Be Everything ...

See money can’t possibly be everything. Steve Jobs had no short of cash. But in the end it couldn’t save his life. It couldn’t change the cards that he had been dealt. He was a fighter and indeed fought for his life. But the money couldn’t save him. That’s what people mean when they say “money isn’t everything.” Yes many of us are in pursuit of riches and glory, but really all we have is our life and that doesn’t last forever. What will your legacy be? What will people say about you? How have you changed anything? Steve Job’s vision and forward thinking … that’s what made him rich before anyone ever heard of a company called Apple. You have to be prosperous in your mind before any prosper will come to your pockets. Anyone who has achieved insurmountable success already knew in their minds that their life would be different, that something they did would change the way that people think, act, view the world. If you can’t be happy with sporadic, unplanned dates, or the times when you didn’t know how you would make a bill or the journey to success, I am doubtful that any amount of monetary success will make you a happy person. I truly believe that money only magnifies who you are already. Prepare to look as good today, as you will in your blown up future. If not those same flaws will be there. Think about not only how you can change your life but how you can affect change in others. Money won’t save you … So what will validate your moments on Earth when you are gone? Steve Jobs 1955-2011… well done!

New Music - Jade Alston

So ... Funny how you randomly reconnect with people later in life. Jade and I went to like middle school together and we both turned out to be working in the same industry. Always proud and excited when people are doing their thing ... so Check out her new single "Missing You Lately"

Worth a Thousand Words

No truer words ... pic says a lot about my life.

I was just thinking ...

Marriage 25 and it seems like all my friends are married or getting married. And I can’t even lie … I am feeling some type of way! I have never been the type to dream about the white dress and big wedding and I am still NOT! Haha. The marriage has always been more important to me than the wedding. I am looking forward to sharing that with someone. I think it is really an honor to be able to call someone your husband and not just your boyfriend and vice versa. I look forward to being called wife. You can never rush these types of things and I don’t plan to but I can’t say that I don’t feel the pressure sometimes. I’m still young and yadda yadda but when you really think about it the gift of marriage and what it means in the eyes of God, it’s kind of cool. I have to admit. I am not a gushy girl for the most part at all … but there is something about that moment when people decide make that step, that makes my heart melt. The rings don’t hurt either. (Yes we all like shiny things.) haha. But really, marriage is such a treasure that God created. To know that your spouse is a special gift to help you along in this world is pretty awesome. I know how much it meant to me to have parents that were married … and not that they were PERFECT, but I felt secure because of it. I hope to give my children that same feeling. I feel like there was a point in my life where I wasn’t really sure what I wanted. But it is nice to come to grips with the fact that I know I want to experience being married and having children before I leave this Earth. I pray it’s in God’s plan for me. I never want to get so caught up in chasing my dream that that part of my life has to fall by the wayside. I really want it all and I don’t plan to stop until I have it.

Dope Writers - John Mayer

This record gives me everything. I had the pleasure of choreographing my own modern dance to this as well in one of my dance classes eons ago. I mean the guitar chords are pretty simple, but what he does with it is just great. I love John Mayer as a guitar player. He gives me the motivation to keep trying to play. I mean who hasn't felt like gravity was working against them before??? It's the only thing keeping me from flying. Check it out!