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HOW I MAKE IT [PART TWO] September 30 2011
As expected, here’s part two of my entry about my squad. I feel even more compelled to write about them this morning because I’m reeling from a good night at LIFESWELL, and it’s partially due to these people right here.
Jon is the other MC in Rhythm Natives, my go to guy for music, and the only other 49ers fan I know. He’s not a “yes man” and often tells me like it is. He’s also one of the most humble people I’ve encountered. I’ll tell him how good he is on a track, and he’ll for sure shake his head. Combine those traits and I’ve got a friend that encourages me to listen and be observant, to put my head down and focus. He’s the one dude that brings me back to earth.
Jovin is another partner in Rick & Ray. One of the first things that drew me to him was his hustle and his ability to see everything as an opportunity. He constantly puts himself out there to be known in various industries whether it be at a networking mixer or at an independent hip hop show. He also seems to have figured out the whole having a corporate gig and side business while trying to be a family man thing down to a science. That’s formidable.
Shelly is part of the Rick & Ray collective as the makeup artist, the youngest on my team, and one down ass chick. It’s very cool to see her at work because however painstaking a learning curve may be in her industry, she takes it on with genuine enthusiasm. Besides that ethic, she has taught me to blur the distinction between work and life. I’ve actually taken more time to smell the roses because of her.
I love my team.
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HOW I MAKE IT [PART ONE] September 29 2011
In honor of How to Make It in America‘s anticipated return to television this Sunday, I’ve decided to blog about my crew, my core, my backup. I always say that you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and these are the people who help me make it. Just as Ben and Cam have Domingo and Eddie, I’ve got this crazy bunch.
Glen is one of my MCs in Rhythm Natives and also my business partner in Rick & Ray. When you put us together we’re usually doing one of two things: devising our takeover plan or swaggin’ it out to every song we hear. We don’t work in the same office, so we’re constantly texting each other everyday about business but mostly bullshit.
Bojo handles a lot of the design and photography we produce. He’s currently building his cred in the love industry (engagements, weddings) and he’s also got his hand in Rhythm Natives, Primitive, and Backside. We’re actually kind of like Ben and Cam, but with a t-shirt line we’ve been conceptualizing for over a year now.
Christine Alane keeps me in check. I’m notorious for my short attention span and she’s there to make sure I stay focused. Most of all she lets me be me. I appear as an insomniac with numerous endeavors and a need to be everywhere for the sake of my work. But there’s a whole other side. By the way, she’s also one of my artists and partners in Rick & Ray.
Wella handles a lot of the business side of things, which is arguably the hulking vehicle of success. I’m allowed to nurture the creative because a smart business mind exists. She’s a realist and often moderates a very idea driven team. And when she’s not doing that, chances are she’s obsessing over all things Korean - music, boys, food, etc.
That’s only four of them. Tomorrow, you’ll get hip to Jon, Jovin, and Shelly. See you at LIFESWELL.
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NINE September 28 2011
It’s that time again. LIFESWELL. Now in it’s ninth month (can’t believe that), the team brings you two special DJs to make the night - Lady Sha and JeffCee.
Personally, I’m geeked about this lineup. I’ve been following Lady Sha for awhile. Low key, I live vicariously through her. She’s got major accolades (first female to win the annual Winter Music Conference DJ Spin-Off, first female DJ to spin live on South African radio airwaves, et al). She curates her music perfectly for a crowd that often extends beyond the United States. I can’t wait to hear what she has planned for our party. Sha goes on at 1230a.
I’ve heard JeffCee countless of times at his residency at Mountain Bar. He consistently moves the dance floor the second he gets on the tables. He spins heated hip hop sets with a bunch of other sounds fused in. Word around the street is that he’s got something special planned for his birthday set tomorrow. JeffCee goes on at 1130p.
I can’t forget our residents: MTRLSTC, JustPudge, and SoSuperSam who always hold us down (click their names to listen to some of their mixes). And of course our Virgos and Libras who will be celebrating life: JeffCee, JillCee, Christine Alane, and Girlie. Vibe with us tomorrow at the Blu Monkey. No dress code and no cover.
**The flier says that we are celebrating Christine Alane’s EP release with a special performance. Unfortunately the EP will not be released tomorrow. We are coming with a whole new concept for the project - bigger, better, and more indicative of growth. Please stay tuned for more information. You’ll definitely hear about it here on CA.
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BURGERS, FRIES, AND ICE CREAM September 27 2011
Late pass, but I’m blogging about Golden State today. I know many of the lifestyle blogs - especially those based around the Fairfax area - have gassed this place up on their sites. And I’m going to do the same. Chances are that most of you have probably eaten there already. But for those who haven’t, this one’s for you. The burgers are fantastic, and when you get them cooked medium rare you can use your french fries to wipe the meat juice. The beer float is pretty mind-blowing. And, they frickin’ serve Scoops ice cream. Fun fact: Golden State is called Golden State because everything on the menu - from the cheddar to the beer - comes from California.
This is how I look after I top a good meal with brown bread ice cream.
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EVERYBODY’S RIVAL September 26 2011
I’ve known KBiMean since earlier this year when his hip-hop duo Malcolm and Martin were guests at Soul Assassins Radio. I’ve known DJ Spintelect for about the same time, because we always see each other at the same parties around LA. These two guys recently got together to form Everybody’s Rival - an events driven company that’s backed by a vehement multimedia department. I was present while ER was in its developmental stage, learning the concept and even collaborating on a few things here and there. Last Saturday, ER celebrated its official launch and the support surrounding KB and Spin’s movement was evident. So evident that the cops had to shut it down. Congrats, guys!
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