The Law of Conservation

*Based on a study of Psalm 95*

We all know within each of us what it is that keeps us going. For some it’s love, and for others it can be anger, rage, joy, curiosity, etc. The point is God has a revelation for each of us that is as unique as stripes on a zebra, though many of us like to look at revelation as a barcode that can be marketed and consumed like a brand name. 
Whatever it is we feel that keeps us going, we must understand that the law of conservation is karma with an uppity accent and a sense of entitlement. It is the wind created by a wave of our creator’s hand. A truth in this is that we must ride that wave with grace and a gratitude for all that had to drown in order for us to keep afloat. We could be cursed not to be able to feel or see or hear our Truth. We have to remain thoughtful of that which keeps us moving whether it’s a demon of our imagination or our personal angels walking us in our own special way. Regardless of how we see it, it is what it is. 5+4 is 9 just as much as 3 x 3. 
Far too often people look high and low for the root and cause of circumstance when the answer is in them all along. The image in which we are made is the one that trickles out to whatever reality we live in. Clouds and oil spills are made by the same hands and we are so busy looking for the gloves we don’t think abt what hand it’s on. That’s all that matters. 
The sea of emotions we mistake for worship are no more important than the desert of our struggles and yet we as humans think we are so special to be deserving of one and not the other. 
A conversation on the inside is due for us all at some point. That reconciliation of our soul is something imperative to it’s preservation. without it we will not grow or even maintain. The only constant we can know by isolating ourself from the rest of creation is to wither away. What flower blooms away from the sun?

-Yours in catharsis

The Blue Dream Project: Something To Believe In

“How you came through just at the right time. I can’t explain escaping the hard way.”

 

Writing the #BlueDream project has been one of the greatest periods of revelation that I’ve experienced. The way I see and exist in the world is different to the point that I feel sometimes as if I’ve transcended the shackles society has placed on my mind, body, and soul. I pray unceasingly that my music speaks to the soul and carries the healing message through the universe.

The ability to bid farewell is a superpower in your spirit by which giants are tumbled and mountains are moved. While we may need something to hold on to, in order to not  wash away and become one with the residuals of life, we also need to understand how empowering we are to ourselves by being able to see things come and go. When one is able to let go of something near and dear to the heart it projects the makings of a strong positive spirit. This simple, powerful intrinsic quality as a human is one of which we are slowly being stripped in efforts to be misled to a codependent mindset.

Sometimes in this human experience we get attached to facets of this world. There is something divine in everything we see and that is what attracts us, be it an object of passion or affection or even merely peace. Whatever it may be, we all need something to believe in. Granted nothing stays the same, we still need an anchor in times where nothing seems to wield the stability we need. We all have been taught to fight for what we believe in, and to never give up, but my walk of faith has taught me to keep loose ties to just about everything because the Creator may have plans beyond our understanding that will grow us in ways we on our own would be incapable.

When you love something you should let it go. If it comes back, you have confirmation that it’s truly yours to have and to hold. The spirit of fear will try to keep you from sending something down the river. Fear will have one believe that captivity is a display of love and affection, when it actually mutilates the sincerity of our actions and the perception of intention. As the song says, “Remember what we told ourselves. Goodbye is only in the name of LOVE.”

New Promo Single

With a fresh perspective on music and its state in the industry I’m happy to reveal the lead single for 2013, “Believer.” It features Hiphop artist K-Roq and rides a wave of truth that has begun to take my writing over for the sake of our future. “Believer” will drop soon as a free download. Stay tuned

-:-) MJL

Sincerely Yours, Truly- Kel

Sincerely Yours, Truly is a composition I can listen to from beginning to end. Kel, an Alexandria, Louisiana native, is quickly growing into his identity as a very strong lyricist. His versatility has expanded even more so in this release. There are more “colors” of him available to the fans and more perspective injected on Sincerely Yours, Truly. The mixtape itself could not be more appropriately titled. Kel dedicates every piece of work to his fans, and shows the utmost gratitude for the support he gets as a positive artist and an advocate of substance. Each track on this mixtape bears a piece of the listener somewhere laced in the verse, which adds to the appeal of the Louisiana rapper.

“Opinions” provides insight to Kel’s private thoughts on the life many rappers ramble about while pretending to be on a grind. This is one motivated artist I can personally say works for each bit of success he sees. No hype here. Kel is on the path to becoming one of hip hop’s resurrectors.

“2^nd Wind” is an infectious vintage swing vibe featuring Mississippi artist Trey Parker (@treyparkermusic) who has shared many stages and a very impactful grassroots video last year. Both have passion and motivation that resonate all throughout.

“Paper Heart” is a hidden gem on SYT. This acoustic piece is laced with what seems like a bit of Kel’s conscience and give off the vibe that would have me sitting on my sun porch, toasted, and swimming in deep thought.

“Take Caution” reminds me of the conversation most nice guys have to themselves amidst a situation that is one of those “new” situations that can potentially change character’s direction. Kel yet again branches out extending his flow to a personal lesson direction that hip hop has not seen from too many southern rappers.

“Song We Sing” is placed to remain with me as the Kel vibe with Aaliyah lulling in the background vocals, my favorite line is on this track where Kel spits,

“There’s more to life than the project vision”…!

“Project X2” is a bonus cut that chronicles a party that without a doubt is an experience to even those that only heard about it. If you weren’t there, you really missed everything…period.

Following him is a sure way to see someone make a career from a dream. Follow him on twitter @kelmusic12 and join those that have been hit by his talent. 

 download Sincerely Yours, Truly here: http://www.datpiff.com/KEL-Sincerely-Yours-Truly-mixtape.345154.html

Vocal Legend Whitney Houston Dead at 48

I as a musician I am heartbroken by news of Whitney’s death. She has inspired so many young voices. In my opinion, a great part of the music industry has died. Visit Definitelyglam.com for developments- Mateo José Lopez 

 

 

LOS ANGELES — Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music’s queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.

Houston’s publicist, Kristen Foster, said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.

News of Houston’s death came on the eve of music’s biggest night — the Grammy Awards. It’s a showcase where she once reigned, and her death was sure to case a heavy pall on Sunday’s ceremony. Houston’s longtime mentor Clive Davis was to hold his annual concert and dinner Saturday; it was unclear if it was going to go forward.

At her peak, Houston the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world’s best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.

Her success carried her beyond music to movies, where she starred in hits like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.”

She had the he perfect voice, and the perfect image: a gorgeous singer who had sex appeal but was never overtly sexual, who maintained perfect poise.

She influenced a generation of younger singers, from Christina Aguilera to Mariah Carey, who when she first came out sounded so much like Houston that many thought it was Houston.

But by the end of her career, Houston became a stunning cautionary tale of the toll of drug use. Her album sales plummeted and the hits stopped coming; her once serene image was shattered by a wild demeanor and bizarre public appearances. She confessed to abusing cocaine, marijuana and pills, and her once pristine voice became raspy and hoarse, unable to hit the high notes as she had during her prime.

“The biggest devil is me. I’m either my best friend or my worst enemy,” Houston told ABC’s Diane Sawyer in an infamous 2002 interview with then-husband Brown by her side.

Definitely Glam’s Fashion Fix feat.Cameron Roland of 40Karats

Definitely Glam’s Fashion Fix feat.Cameron Roland of 40Karats

Join Definitely Glam’s Fashion Fix as we welcome rapper Cameron Roland (@Cameron_Roland) of 40Karats to talk Hip-Hop and Style with me (@arroGNTace) Lady MD (@definitelyglam) and Livvy Live (@LivvyLive) . Livvy Live will be in full effect with your Glam Gossip. Join us Wed, December 21, 2011 at 10pm CST http://blogtalkradio.com/defintelyglam.

You can also call in with questions or comments for Cam and any of the Glam Gurus at 909-362-8212 and press 1 to speak to us, the hosts. #blogtalkradio Stay tuned to our Twitter feeds for the latest on everything! We will be posting Cam’s music and links to exclusive footage from his YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/KustomMadeNupe

Special Thanks

This time I don’t really have much to direct the blog at, but there’s a malestrom of things running through my mind. This summer so far has proved to be a test of my integrity and maturity. I lost my job behind the foolish antics of others. For that my test was to maintain my composure when all the West Coast wanted to come out. That was maybe the most stressful thing I’ve encountered when it comes to the rest of the world.

The greatest battle is the one I’m waging with myself musically. I can honestly say that I wrote my latest music, in its current state, completely by accident. Music and singing have been my refuge for the past few years and slowly my lyrical prowess has emerged as an empowering quality when I face my peers in the college music scene. My biggest insecurity up to this evening has been that my talent wasn’t enough to keep up with the rest of the gifted individuals I share the stage with. Since I was in high school I’ve always been the dude with the good voice. I have a good deal of stage experience with an opera, a few musicals, and many live sets under my belt. I still felt something missing though.

Not until I’ve damn near graduated college have I really begun to recognize and embrace my art in its true untainted nature. Life has been more than challenging for me (no complaints yet) and it sparked the fire that I have been striking at since my days singing with Felicia Smith at Wossman High.

Today I’m more than a singer…I’m a musician. More than a musician, I’m a writer, growing with every stroke of my pen. Today I sing, but I do more with it now and have a hunger to be heard and make a difference with what I say. It was said best by Xem Van Adams, the man that inspired my blog journey, “making a difference one word at time.” I’m satisfied with my music now, but at the same time I always want to be improving some facet of my artistry.

I want to thank every artist I’ve encountered over the past few years, including Killa Kel, Cameron Roland, Alise Greeley, Zuri Fontaine, Ma’ya Blount, Jermaul Lewis, and Felicia Smith. A big thank you is extended to the talented members of Lyrical Quest for introducing me to the impact of REAL lyrics. You all have made an impact on my career whether or not you all have realized it. I am a better artist for having you all in my life.

No More Mr. Nice Guy

This week I was privileged to get one of the first physical copies of No More Mr. Nice Guy by local hip hop artist Killa Kel, also known as Mr. Keldric Bonton. To say that the music was good is a drastic understatement. Kel’s style is quickly headed in the direction of timeless, as he uses plays on words and topics that hip hop used to be about. His flow is authentic and quickly catches the ear of the listener. If you look on Twitter and Facebook its apparent how excellent Kel’s work is. Fans are raving about it and how much they can’t help but listen to it. I personally was beginning to believe that our fair lady Hip-Hop was in fact dead and gone but thanks to artist like Killa Kel she’s starting to show signs of life and is looking to return in rare form. With this mixtape he took us back to the days when hip-hop narrated a lifestyle, instead of defining one as it does so often today. Killa Kel’s music is in fact life imitating art, imitating life. Thank you for taking us back to the basics, sir!

Click HERE to download No More Mr. Nice Guy. It’s free and nothing’s better than some good ass music that only asks you to pay attention. Also listed are the various outlets for Killa Kel’s music and his fans:

TWITTER

FACEBOOK FANPAGE

The Reflection Resession Volume 2

Well on yesterday I released my second official mixtape, The Reflection Resession Volume 2. Needless to say that I am more than excited about people hearing my new music. The first volume, The Reflection Resession Volume 1,  was a narration through my “weathering.” This time around I had more of an opportunity to sit and reflect on situations around me, in the world I live in. I saw so much in such a short time that I was cranking out a high volume of work, and the content to me was more diverse than ever before. I guess you can assume that Volume 1 was reflection on self, and Volume 2 contrasts with the recognition of my environment, of which I’m a product of.

My prayer is that I continue to touch people through music, and that I continue to grow and evolve as a man and also as an artist. Look out for collaborations with other artists. I think I’m ready as an artist, to deliver effectively alongside my fellow musicians!

For my next project I look to have something different once again, keeping up with the true consistency that IS change.

Here are links of the last track I did on the Mixtape, as well as a link to download it for FREE

Living Like We’re Bulletproof..What About the Future?

With the booming hip hop industry on display daily, it seems that there several more people each day claiming to be a rapper. This is somewhat unsettling to me from my perspectives of a musician, an educator, and a consumer. I consider hip hop to be the most delicate shapes of music and it seems to me that the complete notion of musicianship has been diluted to the likes of anyone with a computer and a microphone. As an educator its deeply saddening to see Black America’s youth gamble away their intellect, goals, money, and even morale, all for the sake of sometimes overinflated dreams. Everyday I see young people enthralled by the swift climb to success by those on 106th & Park and radio stations across the country. Their heads are filled with the over-romanticized ideas that music is “all you need” when you want to be successful. Even with the evident amounts of charity and philanthropy owed to the hip hop industry, I blame the hip hop industry, as a whole, for the decline in education’s priority in America, especially among African American youth. I feel that today’s musicians have a slight disregard for their inherent responsibilities as figures of admiration, role models, and the occasional muse to a young person’s dream. In my opinion today’s music industry would much rather risk losing future doctors, researchers, teachers, parents, and politicians, than they would to lose a few fans.

As a musician it is a disappointment to the measure of what talent has been redefined to be. Granted change is inevitable and necessary, but some things are better left untouched. Without a doubt, there are flocks of truly talented, blessed musicians that need to be heard and deserve to share their craft. On the other hand, there seems to be a misunderstanding that the large shoes an artist fills are “one size fits all.” I’m not saying that anyone should be hindered of their right to self-expression. With that said, I am LOUDLY saying that there is a fine line between artistry and the mockery of that calling. It seems that the focus in music has been taken almost entirely off of the actual music and more so upon the aesthetic value of the performer. This is indeed a vital part of good art, but it should not be the most important part. We as consumers have begun to settle for less and that trend is one illustrated by a comfortable slope to inadequacy.

As a musician, educator, and consumer I aim to issue a challenge to us all: demand better, seek something that lies a bit deeper than money, cars, clothes and hoes…We all just want to be successful but we must not neglect to think about those looking up to and coming after us…We in the present determine the future past and the future’s present. There’s so much more than ourselves on the line.

-MJL