Don't Be A Fair Weather Fan

Since the conception of music stood the quintessential listener, the fan. The fan, essentially determines the likelihood of an artist to grow through their opinions and the purchasing of their projects, however, in current times, it appears individuals are biased fans not really looking for an artist to expand and grow. To consider yourself a fan of any artists, there are a few different elements you must keep in mind.

First, you must listen to every project with an open mind. A lot of people, who have favorite artists, listen to projects already assuming they will love this album, however, it’s best if you actually give it a try and really listen to it to see how you gravitate towards the project. There could be key songs that you love from the project, and you could realistically listen to the project and love it all, but there’s a chance that you won’t which is fine and doesn’t make you any less of a fan.

Secondly, address what you don’t like. Any artist making music essentially would want to have a lasting life in the music world, so critiques and honest feedback can help them grow. If you glorify everything that they put out, it’s not forcing them to expand and to create masterpieces it’s placing them in a comfortable place because they feel that everyone loves what it is that they are doing which is a complete disservice for them as the artist and you as the listener.

Third, support them. A lot of people are fans of an artist however through the accessibility of social media and music blogs individuals opt for online resources to get the music instead of actually supporting their favorites in record sales. In all honesty, a listener could still support their favorite artist by attending concerts and etc, but the true nature of a fan is through albums and buying them in record stores and etc, reading the album covers, the thank yous and endlessly finding the lyrics in albums. With fans opting for illegal downloading more so, it is essentially taking away from record stores, making them close and making artists put out music not so frequently because they know they wont sell too well.

To be a great fan of any artists, it’s always best that you are an honest fan, and an open-minded listener. Don’t glorify every project they do in hopes to hold your position as fan, but give honest feedback to help them expand and grow as an artists, essentially, that’s our job as a music listener.

Men In Love Documentary by Keith Davis

I love how the film is playing Minnie Riperton "Les Fleurs," I love that song.

This is a brief teaser for the upcoming short film, "Men In Love." Film Synopsis: Following a bitter break-up Leo hits the party scene one night to "get over it." But after a sexy and unexpected encounter he's forced to face what most men fear: they don't realize they're in love until it's too late.

"Truth Translated into Images" / Photographer Laylah Amatullah Barrayn on Struggle, Self-Acceptance, Becoming Whole, and Truth

Laylah Amatullah Barrayn: The more I venture into adulthood; the more I'm paying attention and learning who I am. The things I am discovering are fascinating. I love the freedom that I realize is my birthright, I don't think many people are aware of their freedom. We subscribe to what is popular as opposed to our natural inclinations at the expense of our authentic and happiness. The process of growing is hard, at times, but it is a beautiful struggle, as they say.

I grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, a small neighborhood, known for its notorious hardness and crime. So, some of the first lessons on negotiation and communication unfortunately involved violence as a means. But living with that helps you to understand that there are other options and those other options you come to appreciate in earnest. I went to NYC public schools all my life. I graduated from Martin Luther King, Jr. High school near Lincoln Center, the "famed" LaGuardia High School, the Alvin Ailey dance studios, there in high school is where I experienced so much of the performing arts, but not photography.

Both my mother and father were quiet and temperamental people. They were minimalists and took pleasure in "the simpler things of life," such as family, music, art and food. My mother used to like to bake when I was a child. As you move outward, my surrounding family is where you get more texture and animation in the personalities.

This was such a dope read from Liberator Magazine and writer Kameelah R. make sure you check that here.

San Francisco From My Eyes

My friend Mareesa, however I feel like, I'm not really old enough for mixers. I felt uncomfortable. After our trip to the mixer we were on a mission to find food, and here's the result of that expedition.

#Vintage Play: Rather Be With You-Bootsy Collins

A classic song, me and my friend were having this conversation about this song, and Adina Howard and Beyonce. Yes, flashback.

My Composite Thoughts: Females & Dating

A few months ago, my real good friend John and I taped a video for a new project we were starting under the title of my Composite Thoughts, however, we never did another one--but we will be starting up again. In our first video, John spoke about date etiquette from the male perspective and right now I'm going to talk about dating from the female perspective. I admit, I'm no dating pro, but I've been on enough to know exactly what the most important stuff is.

First, women we must dress to impress, meaning sex up your look. Let me explain, sexing up your look doesn't mean you'll have on a shirt that shows all your breasts or makes guys want to say hello to your kitty, but, this does mean you leave him desiring you--pretty dress, a cute tank and jeans, something of the sort to show you took a little effort in your appearance. I suggest you find balance as well--don't do real tight jeans and a real tight shirt, how about tight jeans and a lose shirt or something of the sort.

Tip number two, be grateful. With the way we live now, with people wanting to "kick it" instead of actually going out on a date, you should show that it was a nice gesture by your acceptance towards the date this means a few key things:

1. Don't order the most expensive thing on the menu because that could easily lead to this being your last date.
2. Don't try to be overly cute and eat your food.
3. The last and most obvious is to say thank you! duh.

Tip number three, don't pay. I know if a man is reading this he'll possibly say something smart here, but if he does (if you do) you're not worth dating. As John mentioned in the video, a real gentleman will pay the first date and the follow up date-- up to three dates. In the future contrary to popular woman beliefs or whatever the case may be, I believe the lady should court the bill sometimes. Yes, it would be nice if the guy paid all the time, however, in our economy that's very unrealistic.

Tip number four, keep up the conversation. One of the fastest things that kills a date is the conversation, this means, keep it up. I suggest like John, avoid Religion, Money, or Sex. If sex comes up to early in the conversation, it will make you look easy or like what Nelly Furtado sung about in "Promisicius Girl." Instead, opt for topics that really allow you the opportunity to really get to know the guy examples: music, goals for the future, favorite movie, family values and etc.

Lastly, my final tip. Ready? NO ELBOWS ON THE FUCKING TABLE! Make it appear you have some manners, even if you don't.

Simple Instructions for Life by the Dalai Lama

While crusing on one of my favorite websites I came across this post about life instructions courtesy Dalai Lama, and I thought why not post it. Perhaps, the only people who will find this oddly interesting, will be me and the blog I found it on, however, it's okay. OPEN YOUR MIND.

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson
3. Follow the three R's: Respect for self. Respect for others and Responsiblity for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Soent some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is the one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get there.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

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