Hiphopsince1989

Me, Past Due

2010-09-23T16:06:00.001-07:00

Past Due* by HipHopSince1989

Me, 'Part II...The Dream State'

2010-08-13T12:09:00.001-07:00

Download HERE

Me, 'A Different Interest'

2010-08-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a leftover track that's not gonna make the final cut. The Dream State drops tomorrow!

A Different Interest by HipHopSince1989

This Picture is Epic

2010-08-10T13:16:00.001-07:00

Personality is Everything.

Introduction

2010-08-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

The below videos are a documentary filmed on me while working on my new project Part 2...The Dream State. The music and this doc go hand-in-hand so i guess the project will be the soundtrack to this. My homie Dre is an up and coming film producer from NY and he came down and followed me around for a day. The footage is straight raw and unedited, just the way i intended it to be. This is sorta my 'Fade to Black'. Let the video load up first to get the full quality. Part 2...The Dream State drops Friday! August 13th..

'A Dream State' (Documentary, Part One)

2010-08-09T03:16:00.001-07:00

Part One from Terrence Franklin on Vimeo.

A documentation of a young man tryna make it

'A Dream State' (Documentary, Part Two)

2010-08-09T03:12:00.002-07:00

Part Two from Terrence Franklin on Vimeo.

'A Dream State' (Documentary, Part Three)

2010-08-09T03:12:00.001-07:00

Part Three from BeautyInTheHood on Vimeo.

'A Dream State' (Documentary, Part Four)

2010-08-09T03:10:00.000-07:00

Part Four from BeautyInTheHood on Vimeo.

Dope-ish

2010-07-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes less is more....i always prefer the more Casual look (pun intended)

Me, 'Deficiency'

2010-06-15T18:15:00.001-07:00

Part 2...The Dream State coming soon.

Deficiency by HipHopSince1989 Download: Terrence - 'Deficiency'

Until It's Perfect

2010-06-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Long time, no talk eh? With good reason tho ... alot of my usual blogging time has been wrapped around the production of my new project Part 2...The Dream State. Super excited about the way it's coming along. Every single day, i add something new to it, even if it's the smallest vocal edit, writing of a hook, or mapping out of a concept. Dream State is the second installation of the two-part 'Beautiful Mind' projects. Last time around, i wrote about the realities of my life in a sorta hold-nothing-back manner. This time, the music doesn't sound AS dark as it did with This Beautiful Mind due to the album's main focus, the dream state. It's sort of an exhibition of the differences between the conscious and unconscious mind. I sought out more outside production and i think i may only produce one of the album's songs. Oh, and the music is all original on this one.

I'm about 7 songs in, and what i have so far, flows incredibly well. The intro contains perhaps the most heartful and truthful verse i've ever recorded, along with a fitting clip of some of Will Smith's words in a certain one of his movies, don't wanna say which lol. It continues on which the second track and the music beautifully unfolds from there. An as-of-yet titled track features the guy who is responsible for me making music. In our verses, we speak of how we started off making music together, where our lives took off from there, and where we are now. There's also a track entitled 'Bring The Horns' produced by The Stuyvesants. The beat is ridiculous! There's this beat change at the 32 second mark that makes my heart stop. I have some other great tracks as well but i think i'll continue to keep them to myself..

Whenever i finish a new song, i'm usually so excited about it that i wanna put it out immediately! I feel like i've gotten so much better as a writer and some of the things i've been coming up with lately have me overjoyed. I've sent certain songs around to a few people and the responses that i have received let me know that this is about to be something big...i'm really trying as hard as i can to put together 14 songs that i feel completely confident in, which means i'll have to record somewhere between 25-30. This is gonna be a fun summer..

Part 2...The Dream State

2010-05-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

One Love

2010-05-29T15:12:00.001-07:00

I think everybody knows that Hip Hop is coming back to the West. It's inevitable. Due to the laws of physics, it HAS to come back West lol. Here on the Left Coast, there's WAY too much talent for us not to make our mark in history this time around, sorta like the way Dre did it back in the 90's..

With any movement, there has to be Unity. Think about it...when Dre brought the West Coast to prominence in the early 90's, he had a whole movement behind him. His first album, The Chronic, introduced the world to Snoop, Daz, Karupt, Lady of Rage and Nate Dogg. I say that to say this....people aren't gonna notice a region by one popular artist creating good music, there has to be Unity.

I know so many talented musicians out here...and i think it's a shame that we don't all know each other. There's a broad range of different styles and sounds out here in the West, i think we are the most diverse sounding region in Hip-Hop. That said, we have the ability to leave an unimaginable sized impact, not just on Hip-Hop, but in music period. Nobody is ever gonna come up to us and hand us an opportunity to a larger platform, we have to do it ourselves...AND IT WOULD BE SO EASY IF PEOPLE WOULD BE WILLING TO DROP THEIR EGOS. Think about it...how hard would it be to form a team of some of the dopest talent in SoCal? I know many of them personally. It would be a win-win situation! Benefitting us individually by giving us the opportunity to extend our network with different emcees/producers, which would better us as artists. AND it's better for us as a whole because it would put the spotlight on our area and we'd gain each others' supporters.

The fact of the matter is, as artists, we don't wanna support each other because each one of us is trying to climb the ladder individually. We compete with each other instead of competing together. All it would take is one day, one gathering where all the dopest artists from this area meet up and really get to chop it up with one another...exchange contact, Twitter info or whatever...it could be at a park with a DJ and everything, a few performances...in the long haul, we'd even be able to put out a project together...that shit would be CLASSIC. This has never been done before, and i'm about positive that it would bring about success.

Let's stop bullshittin and put this shit together. Some time this summer, this should go down. It could be like the Hip-Hop version of Nick Fury's S.H.I.E.L.D. only there would be no hiearchy. I stand here today and send out this declaration to every indie artist in the Southern California region. There's no way i'd be able to put this together alone, but if this idea can catch on, we'd have an unstoppable family of dopeness. Just give it some thought and think about the possibility..

LOL! THIS IS HILARIOUS!

2010-05-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

My girl put me on this earlier today...pure hilarity!

A Strange Arrangement

2010-05-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

This week's purchase goes to Mayer Hawthorne's A Strange Arrangement. Take me serious when i say this....this is one of the best cds i've ever purchased. EVER. This album is so great that i'm gonna buy it for every single one of my music loving friends. I've been saying that somebody should come along and bring back REAL soul music. This man has successfully done it. Clap for him. So please, if you're looking for new music, buy this album. If you love real music, there's no way you'll be disappointed.

Stevie Crooks 'Quiet Place' Produced by ME

2010-05-23T10:10:00.001-07:00

On This Beautiful Mind i spoke about a song i produced for Stevie Crooks' Diamonds & Guns sessions that didn't make the final cut. This is it.

QuietPlace by HipHopSince1989

'Round Midnight

2010-05-23T09:41:00.001-07:00

Many people who Create, myself included, are generally more likely to feel more inclined after hours. I believe there is a science to this tho...you see, creativity and logic are on the two opposite ends of the spectrum. Our brains function differently during different parts of the day. During the daytime, as the sun rises, the more logical parts of our brain kick in to help us cope with what we must face during daytime hours. Remember that we live by the Universe's associative laws. The part that kinda sucks is that in life, we are often bound by the principles of logic...it hinders us in a way. However, as the sun begins to set, a different part of our mind begins to kick in. That logical area of the mind begins to fade as our brain is getting our bodies prepared for the next phase, the dream state. This is why many artists create at nite...many artists will tell you that their best pieces of work have been created after hours. During these hours, our thinking process is shifted. Thoughts that have been repressed by our logic begin to surface. Here's an example you may be able to identify with. Have you ever been on the phone late at nite or early in the morning talkin to that guy or girl in your life and you find yourself saying/thinking extra simpish shit you wouldn't ordinarily say mid-day? Then the next day, during regular daylight hours, you think to yourself 'What the fuck was i saying/thinking last nite? And you snap out of it. This is no coincidence. It's because a different area of our brains are in control during that portion of the day. When your mind is 100% on the opposite end of logic, it is what is known as...a dream. A realm where logic does not reside. So if ever you feel extra creative during the nite, just know that it's because your mind is a bit closer to entering the dream state. Amazing the things and ideas that can emerge 'round midnight..

Me, 'Scarlet'

2010-05-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Are you busy right now? No? Good. Give me four minutes of your time. i need you to come somewhere with me...a trip inside my mind. I want you to hear music as i hear it...as you listen to this, close your eyes and take allow me to take you to the streets of Spain. If you have a pair of headphones, this works even better...this is a beat i made a while back for my next project entitled The Embassy.

Scarlet by HipHopSince1989

Thank You!

2010-05-23T08:11:00.001-07:00

One thing i forgot to include with this project of mine is the Thank You index! So here it goes..

Before all, i'd like to thank my Creator...really goes without saying. My brother Tony for being the super hero you've been to me for 21 years of my life. My father, even though we don't speak much, whenever we do speak you always ask 'So you got any new music?' Your support means everything to me....My brother Xavier for being there for the entirety of my music journey. Remember when we used to be at my house and i would rhyme one of my new verses and we'd get to school and you'd say in fronta everybody 'Ay spit that shit you spit to me yesterday. That ONE shit!' And when i would finish, you'd tell me to spit it again! lol. My brother Joe for being the person responsible for me even creating music...i don't give a damn what you say, The Union will return! My brother Jack for being the single person constantly on my head about putting an entire project together. My brother Kelley for making me realize the talent that i had when at times, i'd be doubtful of myself...Steven, good lookin on the artwork! Shit is classic! Monique, thanks for ALL your support! I can honestly say you've probably been behind my music more than anyone...thats love. Dauche, thank you for being one of the first people to blog my music...the ill part about it is that you'd never tell me you blogged it, i'd look up and it's just there! Marco for being one of the first people to let it be known for people not to sleep on me. Thanks to the whole RiseA07 fam in its entirety. Let's do business some time soon! Funny story real quick, i was at the DMV the other day and somebody's ticket number was A070 and when the system called the number, the lady in fronta me rose up. Get it? Rise A07! DOPE! I believe that to be some sorta sign...Gotta thank the villain Stevie Crooks for bein the lyrical bully around this bitch! You already know where you're headed...Everybody that has ever complimented me on my music, i sincerely thank you! That shit is NEVER under appreciated. Marz Lovejoy waddup?! Can't wait for people to hear what we got comin...to my dear friend Ashanti, thank you for being the only person featured on This Beautiful Mind. If you ever decide to start the band that you dream of, you already know i'm down for the cause! Strheatz, Nine30 and the whole FBC! To my sister Raquel, thank you for being one of the only people i feel comfortable talking to about ANYTHING. Ummm, who else? Can't really think right now lol. If i forgot to acknowledge you, it's not because my mind and heart has forgotten you, it's because it's 8 am and my brain isn't all the way functional yet LMAO.

Oh, one last one....the little man that's graced the cover of this project. My little dude, my nephew Tyler. I love you more than anything in this world. My music is dedicated to you. This is my first project, my inception....my own 'Illmatic'. Thank you for saving my life..

Mayer Hawthorne 'Just Aint Gonna Work Out'

2010-05-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Gallery

2010-05-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

It's funny...whenever people find out that i make music, the first thing they ask me is 'What's your rap name?' I always seem to laugh/cringe at that question. The strange part about what i do is that, even though i'm on my songs rapping, i don't consider myself a rapper....AT ALL. For a few reasons..i don't carry myself in that manner. If you know me, you'd know that i almost never mention the fact that i even make music at all. It's something that i do, not who i am. So why should i go by a separate moniker other than the name given to me at birth?

I always hate to talk about myself, but i guess i'm doing this because my music IS something that i love whole-heartedly so i guess i should take the time to explain myself as an artist. ARTIST. Root word: Art. That's the approach i take to my craft. And in art, there is no right or wrong way to create. With my last project 'This Beautiful Mind', it literally took me three years to create. Not as far as writing the material, but as far as CREATION. That project is a document of everything my life has consisted of in the past three years of my life. Every song has it's own feel as i constructed the songs to serve as different emotions. If i could have things my way, i'd wish for everyone to listen to it in a very dark room with headphones on lol. If you want to hear the type of music blasts out your speakers and makes you nod your head real hard, then my music may not be the music for you. And that's totally ok. I've been creating for about four years now and i wanted to challenge myself and push the envelope as far as the things that are expected of me.

I feel like it's way too easy and typical to just rhyme over beats and put a clever scheme of words together. The competitive side of me wants to do that at times because i don't think there are many people around here that can hang with me lyrically. (And yes, that's the cocky side of me talking lol). But EVERYBODY is doing that! Remember that MUSIC IS ART. Originality means everything to me. Everybody can rhyme, but how many people can paint pictures so vivid that you can close your eyes and SEE the things you hear? I believe my abilities as a producer allow me to paint those same pictures without any words at all. Actually, i enjoy producing more than rhyming. I feel as though raw instrumentals at times tell more of a story. Sometimes the best way to say something is to say nothing at all..

So i guess that explains it....if you decide to listen to my music, listen to the project in its entirety...it's the way i intended it to be heard. Approach it not as a listener of music, but as one who appreciates art. Those are the people i try to reach..

Listen to 'This Beautiful Mind' HERE

LaVish 'Hometown Hero'

2010-05-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

Young dude outta LA...i promise the west is comin back..

I'm Excited.

2010-05-20T14:25:00.001-07:00

A lil while ago, i shot a cheap visual to one of my favorite songs of mine, 'Casual'. That emerged out of me being bored in my room and wanting to do somethin real quick...BUT...i am pleased to say i will be shooting an official version for the song very very soon...like in a month soon...i already wrote the treatment for it and everything. My boy Philmatic will be filming and if you've ever seen any of his work, you'll know that his work is never anything less than epic. That's all i wanna say about it for now....i can show you things better than i can tell you..

Here's the song:

Casual by HipHopSince1989

Drake's 'Thank Me Later' Track List

2010-05-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

1. Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys) (Produced by Noah “40″ Shebib)
2. Karaoke (Produced by Francis and the Lights)
3. The Resistance (Produced by 40)
4. Over (Produced by Boi-1da & Al-Khaaliq)
5. Show Me A Good Time (Produced by Kanye West)
6. Up All Night (feat. Nicki Minaj) (Produced by Boi-1da)
7. Fancy (feat. T.I. & Swizz Beatz) (Produced by Swizz Beatz)
8. Shut It Down (feat. The Dream) (Produced by 40 & Omen)
9. Unforgettable (feat. Young Jeezy) (Produced by 40 & Boi-1da)
10. Light Up (feat. Jay-Z) (Produced by 40 & Tone Mason)
11. Miss Me (feat. Lil Wayne) (Produced by Boi-1da & 40)
12. Cece’s Interlude (Produced by 40)
13. Find Your Love (Produced by Kanye West)
14. Thank Me Now (Produced by Timbaland)

Me, Casual Part II

2010-05-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

From my upcoming project, tentatively titled The Embassy

Casual Part II by HipHopSince1989

THIS IS THE BEST SONG I'VE HEARD IN A LONG WHILE! Mayer Hawthorne 'Maybe So, Maybe No'

2010-04-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

Mayer Hawthorne - Maybe So, Maybe No from Stones Throw on Vimeo.

Birthday gift to a dear friend..

2010-04-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

She's a big Kanye fan so i gave made her this piece and wrote some of the names of her favorite tracks from 'Ye....i gave up my autographed copy of The College Dropout. It wasn't an easy thing to do but i'm sure she'd appreciate it more than i ever would...Happy 20th Raquel!

Wicked Good Time

2010-04-29T17:46:00.001-07:00

These are tite.

2010-04-29T17:44:00.001-07:00

I'm always gonna use the word 'tite'.

JOURNAL ENTRY #2 April 29th, 2010

2010-04-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

Waddup tho?! Alrite, so tell me why i went to a Nas concert last Saturday?! Shit was very very epic. Oh, Little Brother and Murs were there as well. They kilt that shit too....but it was so crazy to see Nas perform some of my favorite songs of ALL TIME RIGHT IN FRONTA MY FACE. He did most of Illmatic. To be honest, i wasn't even that hyped up physically. I just stood there and watched in amazement....true inspiration. But besides that? Hmmm...what else has been goin on? Work is work i guess....although i do like the hours because it leaves me with the whole day to do whatever it is i need to do. The people there are cool too...lets see....after many months of not being able to see ANYTHING, i finally got 3 new sets of contacts! As dumb as it sounds, being able to once again see makes me appreciate life much more. It really does...everything looks as though it's in high definition. Crazy right? But that's all i have for now, see you on Journal Entry #3.

This Week: Enter The Wu-Tang/36 Chambers

2010-04-28T23:53:00.000-07:00

Alrite, this week's album purchase goes to Wu-Tang's 36 Chambers. RZA's production on this album is amazing. He's probably one of my biggest influences as far as production. He purposely creates his drums to sound gritty and grimy, and at times, i sorta do the same thing. This is the album that introduced the world to the Wu-Tang Clan and contains hits such as 'Protect Ya Neck' 'Method Man' and 'C.R.E.A.M.'. Released in 1993, it still remains to be one of Hip-Hop's most important and revered albums.

Think, Period.

2010-04-28T21:02:00.001-07:00

The following videos are a recording of me choppin it up wit my homie Steven about a buncha random stuff....interesting tho. LMFAO @ how i started the conversation on the second video.

Iron Man 2 War Machine Collectible Bust

2010-04-12T11:23:00.001-07:00

This is dope.

Stevie Crooks '48'

2010-04-11T01:01:00.001-07:00

Stevie Crooks - 48 by Stevie Crooks

Speakin of Stevie, i just sent him this text:

'I just crafted the most retarded beat for you! This shit is mentally challenged! Contact me ASAP!!!'

#MOMF!

My Favorite Commercial! LOL

2010-04-10T23:45:00.001-07:00

The Associative Laws of the Universe

2010-04-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

Growing up, i've always heard people say 'You are who you hang around..'. For years, i dismissed it as bullshit, but as i grow older and wiser, i've come to realize that there is a science behind that statement.

You see...that statement is valid due to the associative laws of this universe. The associative laws serve to help us survive. EVERYTHING THAT IS DONE NATURALLY ON THIS PLANET IS FOR THE AID OF OUR SURVIVAL. THATS THE BEAUTY OF THE UNIVERSE! But anyway...survival. You are what/who you surround yourself with, for better or for worse. Examples. When we are exposed to the sun, we become tanned. In that tanning process, our bodies create melanin, a pigment used to protect us from harmful UV rays. If you surround yourself with 10 people who are all similar, you'll slowly adapt their ways. Not because you think they're cool, but because thats the way association works. It's science. The universe is designed to equip you with whatever elements you need to survive in that particular environment. It's why we get goosebumps...they serve as insulation for the skin to protect against the cold. On the flip, sweat serves as coolant for the body. I've even read that if you put a group females in an environment, then over time, they'll all begin to menstruate at the same time. Us humans alter ourselves to our surroundings.

I've noticed something VERY interesting. See, i grew up in LA but moved out to the I.E. when i was thirteen. The Inland Empire and Los Angeles contain TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT STYLES OF LIVING. Life seems to be quicker out in Los Angeles...you're kinda forced to grow up faster. The interesting thing is that if you take a 16 year old male that's grown up in the inner city and a 16 year old male that has lived in the suburbs his whole life, they look completely different. I've noticed that people in the inner cities look WAY more mature...this is due to the environment. When i was in middle school out in LA, there were 7th graders with full-grown beards. Out here, you hardly see that. Perfect example of the associative laws in action. Knowing this, begin to surround yourself with positivity, love and success....you'll have no choice but to begin to adapt and assimilate. Trust.

The Fear That Consumes Us..

2010-04-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

They say the only two emotions that us human beings live by is fear and love, all other emotions are sub-emotions of the two. I couldn't agree more...love serves as progression, while fear's job is to hinder. We fear so many things every single day...things we aren't even aware that we fear. We harness power that is unmeasurable, but we'll never be able to unlock it unless we begin to overcome the fear that consumes us.

We constantly fear events that'll occur in the future, losing sight of the greatest gift, which is the present. And if you really think about it, your fear almost always outweighs the actual outcome. LIFE IS ALL ABOUT THE PRESENT. We seem to forget that....so we spend time dwelling on the past, and/or fearing the future. Think about this....how many times have you missed out on an opportunity to talk to a girl/guy simply because you were too scared to approach them? How many times have you missed out on an opportunity to connect to a stranger because as you walked past them, you were scared to make eye contact? Fear completely kills us...to the point where people are even afraid to be themselves because they're scared that they won't be accepted as people.

The fear of death is something that more people fear than not...i hate to say this, and i know it sounds bad, but that religion is responsible for that. We live our lives in fear that once we die, we may go to a realm of darkness where we will suffer for an eternity...if we're not good enough people. The bible even says that you are too FEAR GOD. Really? Why should we fear the entity that is all knowing and all LOVING? If we all knew that once we died, we'd be in a place of comfort and love, we'd feel much better about living here on earth, therefore getting rid of alot of that crippling fear (YouTube 'near death experiences'). We'd be one step closer to reaching full potential. Thus making us more capable. I believe that somewhere long ago, the concept of Love was kidnapped and implemented into a system that would allow a certain group (Illuminati?) to control us. EVIDENCE SHOWS that when controlling a subject, that subject must first FEAR YOU. It's actually much like training a dog. Therefore the concept of Love was worked into what we know as religion, which tells you that if you don't follow it, THEN YOU WILL FOREVER BURN IN THE FIREY PITS OF HELL! Cmon...really? I doubt it. The basic concept of Love is there, but different systems were created to separate us as people, making it easier for 'them' to control us. There should only be one religion in this world....LOVE.

But anyway, i've began to stray from my point....Stop saying no to life and start saying YES. No is fear, Yes is Love. Say those two words to yourself....like literally say them to yourself out loud RITE NOW. Don't those two words give you a completely different feeling when you say them? Watch the movie 'Yes Man' with Jim Carey. There's a great underlying message in that movie that you should pay attention to. Fear prohibits every single great opportunity that this world has in store for you. Being brave and saying 'Yes' not only enables an opportunity for that situation, but it's the beginning of saying yes to life and all it has to offer.

watchu know about it?

2010-04-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

This here is Sade's FIRST album Diamond Life.

We Have Fun

2010-04-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

It looks like everybody is in their own little world in this picture...this is funny.

Nature is to Nurture

2010-04-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

We went on a lil family hike yesterday at this mountain right by my house...good times. The BlackBerry Storm's camera amazes me. If you take a picture at the right time of day, the pics come out looking artful.

Vashtie (aka OOH SHE BADD) Interview

2010-04-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

VA$HTIE INTERVIEW from TONE on Vimeo.

JOURNAL ENTRY #1 April 10th, 2010

2010-04-10T21:19:00.001-07:00

It's been quite a while since i've regurgitated my thoughts onto this blog of mines...i hope my lack of productivity on here hasn't caused some of the faithful readers to stray. Well, i figure every now and then i should post journal entry type of posts...SO HERE GOES! Umm, let's see, what have i been up to? Well, i finally put out a full body of music and presented as a whole. That's something i've been talkin about doing since 2006! I'm glad to have finally got that done. But i'm even MORE glad to hear all of the good feedback. I really do appreciate all the phone calls, texts, and tweets (and RT's) telling me how much people are enjoying it. It's actually kinda overwhelming...i honestly didn't expect for this many positive responses due to the fact that those are songs that are so like...SUPER personal. Idk....those are songs that i've been holding onto since '08/'09. As time passes, i learn so much more about music, i really do consider myself a student of the art. SO, when i start to write again, the music will be MUCH better.

Lets see, what else, what else...oh, i just started working at this new job. TARGET. Don't judge me...i gotta do what i gotta do, alrite? LOL. It's an early morning shift job, 4am-10am. My mom and stepdad are moving to LA on May 1st and they're leaving this big ass house to lil 'ol me. That said, i'm looking to find job #2. Best Buy didn't fall thru as expected...i don't understand because i had TWO interviews the other day...who knows, maybe they'll call me back. They want me to be a TV salesman lol. Living here on my own will be something i'll have to get used to...NO ROOMMATES THO! The whole objective is for me to finally be on my own. The only person i'd let move in here with me is my girl, which i have yet to meet so....anyways, enough rambling, that's my first journal post for now...hey, that felt kinda cool. Maybe i'll do another one tomorrow..

Pharrell Interview

2010-04-04T18:19:00.001-07:00

2010-04-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Nothing to Fear..

2010-04-04T01:43:00.000-07:00

YALL GOTTA WATCH THIS! This is the most natural i've ever seen Michael Jackson...amazing

2010-04-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

For Certain

2010-04-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's a funny thing to watch myself mature before my own eyes...things that used to mean the world to me no longer carry any weight. Ok, for example...i just got out of dating this one girl or whatever...this girl was GORGEOUS. Everywhere we went, we were complimented because we looked so fitting as a couple. Everybody who knows me knows that beautiful women are my weakness....or should i say, WERE my weakness. The problem between this girl and i was that we really weren't compatible...at all. She wasn't what i was lookin for, and i wasn't was she was lookin for. Nothing personal, but sometimes things just don't work out. At the end of the day, when i would rest my head on my pillow, i wasn't exactly happy. Nowadays, i'm definitely certain on what it is that i'm looking for, and refuse to settle for anything less. I need a woman who can stir my mind with her conversation. Sure, a good looking woman can get me excited physically (lol), but what about mental and spiritual stimulation? That's what really matters...i've yet to find that. In any successful relationship, there must be an attraction between two souls, not just the two bodies. I know that you're out there but FUCK, where in the world are you?

Stevie Crooks 'Gnarly' Promo

2010-04-03T22:19:00.000-07:00

Stevie Crooks -Gnarly from The Topshelf Company on Vimeo.

Still waitin for that Crooklyn video to drop...i was on the set about a month ago and lemme tell you...that video is about to be a MONSTER.

In this past month, I've really learned the importance of compatibility.

2010-04-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Classics

2010-04-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

TLC - Crazy Sexy Cool

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Sade - Love Deluxe

Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation 1814

Marvin Gaye - What's Goin On?

Musiq Soulchild - Juslisen

Prince - Purple Rain

Toni Braxton - Toni Braxton

Aaliyah - Age Ain't Nothin But A Number

Anita Baker - Rapture

Amy Winehouse - Frank

Mary J Blige - What's The 411?

This is a lil project i put together yesterday...came out pretty clean

Me, 'This Beautiful Mind'

2010-03-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

I designed this project to tell the story of my life...i just didn't wanna make it so direct. All the good responses i've gotten leads me to explain the significance of the songs, as they all sorta serve as scenes of the movie in my mind...

The whole project deals with the woes of my love life...the good, the bad, the playful...ALL of it. So i'll break down some of the songs as they pertain to the project's underlying story..

2. Casual

Deals with the infatuation of a young woman, but a premature decision leads to my downfall. This song marks the beginning of what later becomes a depression..

5. Tisha

On here, i'm caught in between a current failing relationship and running off to start a new one with a chick named Tisha whom i've only known for a week. Confusion lies in the fact that a new broom always sweeps clean and i don't know if this new woman is 'worth the trade.'

6. A-Z

This song serves to show the humorous and playful side of things, however, vital to the next part of the story which is 'LaVerne'.

7. LaVerne

The previous song A-Z's playful notion was only the mask to what is now a very deep depression. I personally believe that when a man sleeps around with a multitude of women, it's because he's been hurt in the past and he's running from it. Just as alcohol is an alcoholic's way of escaping. This is the first time in the story where the depression is clearly visible and my vulnerability is exposed.

8. Of Mice and Men

The tale of how weed became my escape from my problems, all the while taking over me.

9. Deep Down Under

Although this song is only an instrumental, it's also vital to the story. The guitar rift beat is representative of my once sadness now developing into what is bitterness and anger. Just imagine if bitterness was an emotion that had a sound...this would be it.

10. Sold

After going from girl to girl, i can't seem to find what i'm looking for. Therefore i begin to sell myself short for the purpose of not wanting to be alone.

11. Thousand Miles Away..

If Love had a sound, it would sound like this song. This marked the point in my life where i finally met someone worthwhile, but felt as if it couldn't have worked because i felt she was literally a 'Thousand Miles Away..' In here, if you listen close, i harmonize in the background saying 'When she's callin i'll be comin, makes me wanna get away, girl you know i need your lovin but your love is a thousand miles away..'

13. On Fire

On this track, that anger returns with the guitar melody once again. A woman sings 'Every time he comes around i feel like i'm on fire, when he looks into my eyes and sees down to my soul..' This represents a woman i've met who totally submits herself emotionally to me, leaving room for her to be taken advantage of...leading to the next song 'Insecure'.

14. Insecure

This is where the woman is taken advantage of...now the tables have turned from the beginning. Now it is the WOMAN who is at her mother's house asking for guidance, rather than the opposite, shown on the track 'Tisha'.

15. twttrcrsh

The story takes an unusual turn here...as i become a user of Twitter, i meet a young woman there and for the first time in the story, things begin to look up for me..

17. Her Masquerade

This is the continuation of twttrcrsh as it seems i begin on an incline...the girl whom i had a thing for, i finally physically meet in person..

18. Very Very Clear

My conscience becomes very clear here, as i am reminded of the past. The song's dark tone is meant to take you back to a dark place in my mind that i've tried to repress. Thoughts about the women that i've previously Loved begin to surface.

19. Three's Company

The story of the three women that have played a significant role in where my mind is...the women that i've loved. I come to grips with the truth about those women and decide to actually speak about them openly and truthfully.

20. Outro

This is the happy ending of the story so to speak. I wanted to record vocals to it, but i feel as though that happy ending has not yet completely surfaced. It's beautiful though...the mystery of not knowing. The mystery of me walking out of my house at this very second and potentially meeting 'that woman.' The tone of this song is pure beauty, and the absence of words represents that mystery. There is no story to tell because i have yet to live the future. Life is looking up due to the fact that i've confronted my past, accepted it, and can now move on..

This Beautiful Mind...

...a true story.

Download: T. Franklin Presents....This Beautiful Mind (Mixtape)

Everest College!

2010-03-26T09:18:00.001-07:00

Today was perfect.

2010-03-02T23:51:00.001-08:00

Good for the Soul

2010-03-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

Me and my brother went to the massage parlor today (i know, right?). IMMA START GOIN TWICE A WEEK. Today was my first time goin and man....lemme tell you...i left out that bitch feelin like a new soul. Fifteen dollars for a half hour massage...well worth it.

Venus Vs. Mars

2010-03-02T00:30:00.001-08:00

In relationships, many women often times find themselves receiving the short end of the stick. They end up as the victims of the proverbial emotional monster that chews them up and spits them out. But for every problem, lies a solution. Walk with me..

See....women and men are two very different species. Let me explain.

Male - The Hunter

The male is a hunter by nature, and it's been this way since the beginning of recorded history. Mother nature has equipped us with an intuition that is based around principles of logic. We intuitively feel the need to be the chasers in relationships, which is why in the classic model situation of a man and woman meeting, it is the man, more often than not, that is the one to introduce himself rather than the opposite. We are even physically built as gatherers, for we have larger frames, rougher skin, and physically stronger than our counterparts. We're often viewed by women as assholes, cold-hearted, and just plain stupid. However, that is hardly the case. Since we are guided by logic, it limits our ability to understand the emotion-driven female.

Female - The Nurturer

The female is a nurturer by nature. Mother nature has equipped them with an intuition that is based around the principles of emotion. They intuitively feel the need to openly express their feelings, physically and emotionally, as it is a part of their abilities to nurture. They cry at the end of movies, tend to feel less hesitated to hug and kiss, and are even physically built to be care-takers. For example, they have the ability to breast feed, as well as natural incubation of the embryo for the 9 month period after conception. They are often viewed by men as bitches, crazy, and over-dramatic. However, that is hardly the case. Since they are guided by emotion, it limits their ability to understand the logic-driven male.

Ok, so now that THAT'S out the way, let's talk about women and men as we relate to one another. Since women have no problem with OPENLY expressing feelings, they tend to do so when dealing with a man in the infatuation stage of them two getting to know each other. Many women wonder why it may be so difficult to read us men in that exact same stage. But it is not that those feelings aren't reciprocated, it's just that we don't express ourselves in the same manner. Many females become so attached in this infatuation stage, that they begin to feel as if they NEED their male counterparts in order to maintain balance and stability within their own lives. This in fact creates INSTABILITY in the two's relationship. Once a man sees that the woman NEEDS him, he either A. Withdraws from that situation, or B. Exploits and takes advantage of those feelings, which is wrong.

Because men are the natural hunters, we crave the chase, whether consciously or subconsciously. However, once the woman projects clear and obvious signs of neediness, the man, in a way, feels as if the chase is over, and therefore feels the need to either move on, or control the situation he's in. The woman who is conscious of this concept KNOWS to refrain from completely wearing her heart on her sleeve, and therefore lures the man into chasing her, rather than her inversely chasing him. This is the way the man prefers things, and he is then forced into a position where he is WILLING to project feelings of affection, which many men find to be a brand new concept. And now, that MAN begins to fall in...dare i say...love. Women are the natural dictators of relationships, although they may not realize it. The STRONG man has a desire to be wanted, not NEEDED. Once he sees that he is needed, he then can control the relationship, which is an unhealthy approach.

This same concept can be seen throughout all animal nature. Looking at dogs, the female dog often attacks the male dog to show him her dominance. This doesn't mean that the female dog is not attrcted to the male. It's actually a sign of attraction, and keeps the male longing for more. Humans actually do the same thing, we just don't realize it. When a little girl is attracted to a little boy, how does she react? She, many times, hits him or is mean or aggressive towards him. It's simple animal nature. Realize it, and understand it.

The most attractive thing about a woman to me is when she wants but doesn't need me. Female independence is one of the sexiest characteristics a woman can possess. Women, leave room in our minds to play around and wonder. This is the key to us longing for more. Trust...

Realize Beautiful

2010-03-02T00:22:00.001-08:00

The Quest..

2010-03-02T00:16:00.000-08:00

Song of the Day: Gotan Project 'Last Tengo in Paris'

2010-03-01T23:48:00.001-08:00

As humans, we are slaves to the restrictions of time and the laws of physics..

2010-03-01T22:04:00.001-08:00

You don't have it as bad as you think..

2010-03-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

Terrence's Tip of the Day

2010-03-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

STOP BEIN SO FUCKIN NEEDY! Ok but seriously, never appear as if you need something from a person. Whether it be their time, love or money. The minute you appear as one in need, that leaves room for the person to mistreat/disrespect you. Neediness automatically places you below that person so to speak, and allows that person to deal with you however they want to. You surrender your power in a way..

The Fear That Consumes Us..

2010-03-01T21:24:00.001-08:00

This is an excerpt from an AIM convo i was just having:

Me: The reason i'm not scared of aging is because i KNOW it's coming...same with death. That's like being scared that it's gonna rain when you look up and see a sky fulla grey clouds. The things i fear in life are the unknown...the things that pop up outta nowhere....like snakes.

LMFAO!

Coming of Age

2010-03-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

The thing you have to understand about music is that it runs in cycles. Big Band and Swing died. Soul is gone...So are The Blues. What makes people think that Hip-Hop is immune from the Reaper? I mean, Hip-Hop today is still Hip-Hop, but its branched off. The problem is that people are confusing Hip-Hop with Street Hop. THAT'S the culture everybody misses. The Illmatic kinda sound...that sound isn't gonna come back. That was Street Hop. Just like i said that Big Band and Swing was gone...Big Band was a subgenre of Jazz, but that doesn't mean Jazz is dead. Soul is a subgenre of R&B and that doesn't mean R&B is dead. I get so mad when people say that Southern rap isn't Hip-Hop. THAT SOUNDS STUPID! IT'S ALL HIP-HOP! That statement is equivalent to saying something like 'That's not a Honda....it's an Accord.' Under the Hip-Hop umbrella lies Street Hop (Ghostface Killah), Rap (Lil Wayne), Hip-Pop (Kid Cudi), etc. When Hip-Hop evolved from Curtis Blow to Biggie Smalls, the Curtis Blow era was pissed.

You can't really be mad that Hip-Hop has evolved the way it has. Because for the kids growin up hearing the stuff that's out now, you have to realize that these are their golden years of listening to music. Our golden years were the '90's. Just like our parents say 'Back in my day, our music was MUCH better than the crap you guys listen to..'. It'll always be like that. The older generations will never understand the upcoming era. Thats the way its always been. We have to realize that we're aging...The music industry is no longer trying to appeal to us. They're trying to appeal to the 14, 15, 16, 17 year olds. This is our first coming of age and it feels a bit odd to us. First is anger about our culture being gone. Then comes sadness (when we hear an old song that we once loved and think 'Man....'. Then we reach the point of acceptance...where music won't mean as much to us because we realize that we have lives to lead outside of the Hip-Hop culture. We'll begin to raise families, pay taxes, and this culture will be just a mere memory from the good 'ol days. This is our first Coming of Age.

Just because somebody isn't a proclaimed 'hater' doesn't mean they wanna see you happy. Let that sink in..

2010-03-01T19:26:00.001-08:00

The Afterlife

2010-03-01T00:51:00.000-08:00

If we're lucky, we'll live for about 80 years...and that's considered a petty long life. Have you ever really thought about death and the afterlife? If the afterlife is eternal, then the reflection of life on Earth must only seem like a split second. I mean, 80 years vs. an ETERNITY. Go figure...But what exactly do you think the afterlife is? Me personally, i have my own personal belief. When we lie down at night and we sleep, we enter another state of consciousness....the dream state. When our bodies are sleep, we are in a state of temporary death in a way. Ofcourse our souls are still existent, and that is what i believe travels to the dream world...in our dreams we can do anything! We can be in one place and then all of a sudden, we're in a totally different space. In an instant. If thats the state of consciousness we're in during a slumber, it only makes sense that we return to that 'dream' state indefinitely upon our death...since death is the eternal resting of the physical body...i don't know...its 1am and im just up thinkin..

A Gift

2010-02-28T21:48:00.000-08:00

"Knowledge is the greatest of gifts. There is no way to "un-learn", only to REpress or SUPpress...ALL other things (or people for that matter) are perishable...to give the dollar, one may live "better", but give that same person knowledge and it lives forever.." -Me

I had to repost this...its one of my favorite entries. Entitled: 'The Time Machine'

2010-02-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

There's been much discussion on whether time machines actually exist. Some believe that top secret branches of the government have these devices that can allow one to travel back into time. Well, if you need confirmation on whether time traveling machines are fact, then i'm here to tell you that they're very much real, and i know this because i...*looks left and right suspiciously* i have one. (mumbles in a very discreet voice)

Alrite alrite ALRITE, shit! So maybe i really don't have one...but music is about the closest thing we have to an actual time machine. I believe that music is capable of triggering the strongest feelings of nostalgia...nobody in my family understands the love i have for music. My brother always says 'Music don't mean shit to me, all it is, is sounds comin out the speakers!' I CRINGE AT THAT REMARK! How could somebody say that with a straight face? Music has the power to take you back into time...whenever i wanna travel back to the best years of my life, i have this 90's R&B playlist that i have on my iTunes that i dive into. It's something about 90's R&B songs that really hit home with me...however, this can work with any type of music. Music, for me, marks the time for certain eras. I can hear a song or a certain album, and i'll remember EXACTLY what i was doin, who i was with, and the frame of mind i was in at the time when i first heard it. I'm pretty sure these same feelings are triggered within YOU as well, whether you've taken the time to purposely travel back to those days, or maybe you heard a song on the radio that briefly took your soul down memory lane.

Nostalgic feelings are so strong, so clear, and so vivid, that a simple song can amazingly bring out the kid in you. Or an ex that you still love...or fun and exciting times of your life that you so dearly miss. So don't be afraid to try this exercise...find a quiet space, compile a list of tunes that you love from different eras throughout your life, grab a pair of headphones, close your eyes, and let your mind take you back into time as you let your heart fill with those memories of the past. Who said time machines don't exist? They lied to you. Call 'em out on that.

-The Time Machine

Bahahahahahahaha!

2010-02-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

Music and the Mind

2010-02-26T23:29:00.000-08:00

I'm always talking about the subconscious mind on here because i really want you to understand what it's all about and how you can use it to your advantage. Music holds so much power! It's almost like magic....as a matter of fact, it is magic. Music has the power to tap into that subconscious chamber in your mind and into your soul....here's how it works..

You ever hear a song and then that song gets stuck in your head? Whether the song is good or bad, it'll literally get STUCK in your head and then you catch yourself singing it whether you want to or not. This is the power of music in effect. You never say to yourself 'Damn, that movie sure is stuck in my head..' or 'Man that chapter in that book! I can't get it out of my head!' It doesn't happen with those things. This phenomenon occurs with music because of its repetition of a rhythmic tone which causes your brain to release certain chemicals, and ultimately, causes you to behave a certain way....whether you know this or not. As i've said before, whatever is locked into your subconscious mind begins to materialize in your life, one way or another. Have you ever been singing along to a song and at the end of the verse you say 'Damn, i had no idea i even knew all the words to that song!' SEE! I'M TELLING YOU! Music is so powerful..

As far as music having an effect on how we behave, just look back at the old music. The main theme of music in the past decades have revolved around LOVE. Happiness. For the most part at least. Nowadays the music that's given to us is so watered down it's sad. It's all about hustling, disrespecting the next man/woman, saying how much MORE you have than the next person, etc. As a result, this has cheapened our values in life. People aren't even as genuine as they once were. I had a long conversation with my mom about this the other day. She was telling me how there weren't as many disrespectful and clueless teens as there are today. Watered down music has watered down our people. We hear the music, learn it, believe it, and begin to live it. If the content of the music never were to change and love was still music's main theme, how different do you think society would be?

I'm TELLING you...there is a science to everything. The brain isn't just some organ inside of our skulls. Learn its functions and how it reacts to certain stimuli. If you've read this, PLEASE don't let think i'm talking a buncha scientific bullshit. Really think about it....WHY DO YOU THINK DOCTORS SAY THAT ITS HEALTHY FOR A MOTHER TO SING/PLAY PEACEFUL LOVING MUSIC TO HER BABY BEFORE THE BABY IS EVEN BORN?! BECAUSE OF ITS EFFECT ON THE BABY'S BRAIN! WHICH EFFECTS THE BABY'S OVERALL HEALTH!

If music can have that effect on a being that can't even perceive it clearly because of being housed in another body, can you imagine how it effects us the way WE hear it?

Another Old Flick

2010-02-26T22:15:00.001-08:00

Nigro Please..

2010-02-26T22:06:00.001-08:00

I can't get into all these new video games these days...THEY WAY TOO TECHNICAL! Fuck the bullshit, i stick to the simple stuff. This is one of those avatar games that has like 22 games in one. Just plug it into the TV and play. I feel like such a kid fuckin wit this thing LOL

If Seasons Were Women..

2010-02-26T21:33:00.001-08:00

Autumn

Autumn is a quiet kinda chick...you can tell she's been hurt real bad in the past but she'll never express her pain in words. Looking into her beautiful hazel eyes, there lies a story. She'll only be as good to you as you are to her. She's a home body that prefers staying in to watch DVDs rather than going clubbing or to a party. Her trust is not an easy thing to gain, but once you have it, you're good for the long haul..

Winter

Winter is the kinda girl you don't wanna bring home to meet your mom. Appealing to the eye but her beauty may be the only thing she possesses. You'll never quite figure her out so your best bet is to not even try. Her looks may draw you in, but get too close and she'll show you just how cold her heart can be..

Spring

The spring woman is all about fun. She's not necessarily looking for love, but if she finds it, she wouldn't mind sharing her life with you. Full of laughs, energy and excitement...a date with her will never be boring as she will keep you laughing the whole time. Be careful with Spring though....her beauty and fun personality will make you fall fast, however, she may not feel the same way. She hardly wears her emotions on her sleeve so you can forget about trying to read her and what's going through her mind...Think fun, but be patient..

Summer

Summer is my kinda girl. Easy to talk to, fun, and a beautiful euphoric smile that can be mood altering. If she's comfortable enough with you and she sees that you are sincere, she'll stick right there by you. Summer is the epitome of the renaissance woman. The two of you can either go to an amusement park or cool out at home and flick through the movie channels on a Friday night. Her big brown eyes are windows to her warm and loving soul. Whenever she isn't right there by your side, you'll long for her touch and when the two of you reconnect, it'll feel as if she's never left..

Now that i've personified the seasons as women, what season are you? Or if you're a dude, what season do you prefer?

Just a cool lil thing to think about.

Clean

2010-02-26T21:30:00.001-08:00

Courtesy of my barber Ray

Nas 'Illmatic' EPK

2010-02-26T19:43:00.001-08:00

Terrence's Tip of the Day

2010-02-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

I once read that holding a grudge towards a person is like holding a hot coal in your hand with the INTENTION of throwing it at them. In the meantime you'll burn no one but yourself. LET THOSE GRUDGES GO! Such a waste of time..

2010-02-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

My mom got married this past weekend at the house...cool lil gathering. But i really took time to think as i bowed my head for a prayer....i realized that i'm the last single person in the family. Even my 19 year old sister got married a few weeks back. I mean, i have 'friends' and everything, but nothin really concrete. I was in one serious relationship before and i told myself that the next relationship i got into would be with the woman i marry. I mean shit...i'm 21 and i'm not gettin any younger. I've never been an advocate of gettin married in my late 20's. I'm not the kinda dude that likes to just date around either....to me, at this point in my life, its just a waste of time. I'd like to grow and develop with a woman...if you get em too late in life, they already got too much mileage LOL. But seriously though...not necessarily sexual mileage, but just in general. They're already set in stone which would leave less room for compromise and more room for conflict. Everyday i pray for that special someone but i'm not complaining about my status as of now. Besides, the search is pretty fun if i must say so myself..

That Good 'Ol Summer Fun

2010-02-26T18:57:00.000-08:00

It's pictures like these that make me really appreciate the summertime..

Stevie Crooks 'Diamonds & Guns (LP)'

2010-02-26T18:34:00.001-08:00

This is the shit i been talkin about for months...its finally here, although i'm a bit late posting it. Taking part in the production process of this album has been one hell of a thrill ride. Gotta thank the big homie once again for bringing me in and allowing me to add my creative touch to what was already bound to be a masterpiece anyway.

See what i wrote about one of the studio sessions here

Download HERE

Stevie Crooks 'Diamonds & Guns' Promo Video

2010-02-26T18:30:00.001-08:00

Stevie Crooks -Album Promo from The Topshelf Company on Vimeo.

Shutter Island

2010-02-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

I forgot to tell yall...i went out and saw Shutter Island last Friday and its one of the best movies i've ever seen in my life.

..i think my blog is the shit and i think you think that too.

2010-02-26T18:19:00.000-08:00

Inflation....the good kind.

2010-02-26T17:44:00.000-08:00

Why don't we tell each other we love one another more often? In fact, we wait til somebody dies before we express how we really feel about them. Lately i've been telling my friends and family that i love them and alot of em are taken aback by it. It's not something that we usually hear everyday. But why be ashamed? I think we don't give the proper praise to others because of our natural selfish tendencies. I mean, think about...if we DO give praise to somebody, we quickly stop ourselves and say something like 'Lemme stop cuz i don't wanna blow your head up..'. But it's not blowing somebody's head up. It's recognizing and appreciating. For example, people often say J.Dilla is the best producer of ALL TIME. But nobody said that while he was alive...they waited until he passed. Same with Tupac...same with Biggie. We fear giving confidence to a person because confidence is strength and we're so selfish that we don't wanna give an advantage to the person standing next to us. Because we'll 'blow they're head up'. AT THE SAME TOKEN, you'd want somebody to recognize YOU. Fuck that. I'm not ashamed to say that i have a 'big head' or that i'm 'cocky'. But it's not to the point where i think i'm above the next person. I want everybody to have a big head or be cocky, just as long as you pass on the love that's shown to you. Imagine if we lived in a world where we all recognized and respected our full potential as well as the potentials of others. What a world that would be to live in..

PLEASE DON'T TAKE MY COCKY AND BIG-HEADED STATEMENTS OUT OF CONTEXT. AS YOU SEE, I PUT QUOTATIONS AROUND THOSE TWO. I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE ADDING THIS, BUT SOME PEOPLE HAVE LOW COMPREHENSION SKILLS.

I've been wanting to add a visual to this song for a while now..i wanted to do something different and really simple..The simplicity is why i love it

2010-02-25T12:12:00.000-08:00

QUOTES!

2010-02-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

'I tried to stick it out wit her thru thick and thin, so whether she was thick or thin, I would still stick it in..' -Consequence, 'We Fight/We Love (remix)

YUP!

2010-02-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

I don't know why simple shoes like these amaze me.

Always Remember

2010-02-15T22:12:00.001-08:00

An old picture from high school..

I ENDED UP GOIN!

2010-02-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

Captured some beautiful images today...i LOVE the sunsets at Mt. Rubidoux but nothing in this world beats dusk at the beach...NOTHING. Felt like summer out there...perfect weather.

THIS IS BEACH WEATHER!

2010-02-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

I should probably make my way down to Huntington rite now...

Tell me what you think about THIS.

2010-02-14T15:38:00.001-08:00

Heaven Ain't Hard To Find

2010-02-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

This is the place i come to clear my mind and cleanse my soul. I try to come up here at least twice a week. I highly recommend that you sunset watch every so often. I feel as if it replenishes my being (i hope that doesn't sound too hippy lol). I guess that's the best way to put it. When i stare off into that scene in the distance, i perceive it as art. A painting of some sort. It really trips me out because when i'm out there i feel as though i'm inside of an artistic mastery. God is the greatest artist of them all, capable of creating a different scene every single day...and the sky is one hell of a canvas..

Nigga you already KNOW what's in my cup!

2010-02-14T14:20:00.001-08:00

HORCHATA! (I just wanted to sound cool)

...my favorite drink

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T10:57:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! You've held me down for such a long time and there really is no way i can thank you for it....frustrating. Even through all the good and bad that we've been through, i can firmly say that...I Love You. I know i tell you that almost everyday, but i know that you love to hear it. As weak as it sounds, you are my everything. You are my heart, my soul, my spirit. You are my Life. I love you Life. I'd never wish to have another..

Ok, this is FAR OUT but it DOES make sense..

2010-02-12T23:11:00.000-08:00

I'm Kinda Random

2010-02-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

I love starting a random conversation...at any given moment, i may just ask you 'Do you believe in ghosts? Like, have you ever seen one?' Or i'll say something like 'Alright, give me your top 5 favorite albums of all time..' Some people get a kick out of the spontaneity of my conversation, others look at me like 'That was.....random...'. Not only do i ask these questions for the sake of good conversation, but i also do it to pick that person apart. The only way you can catch a person's vibe is through a thorough conversation. I mean hey, it's better than asking a person something like 'Ay, you seen Bad Girl's Club this week?' LOL

The Art of Language

2010-02-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

3:14am

2010-02-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

At nite when you're unable to sleep, i believe its because God is trying to talk to you. Open your heart and listen..

We All We Got

2010-02-12T19:45:00.001-08:00

I was NOT ok with taking part in this by the way..

This Is What Twitter Can Do To A Person

2010-02-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

Fuckin shame..

Black Women Talking About How Hard It Is To Find A Good Black Man

2010-02-12T18:05:00.000-08:00