No More Big 3! What's Cole's Next Move?!?!

No More Big 3! What's Cole's Next Move?!?!

July 11, 2024

If you haven’t read my previous article, scroll down on the freshthoughts2020 tab and check it out. In that article, we discussed whether Kendrick’s feud with Drake might be pointless if he doesn’t aim for the commercial number one spot. With a clear task ahead for Kendrick (whether he follows it or not), we’re left to ask: What is Cole’s next move?

I.Cole's Strong Start in 2024

Cole came into 2024 in a great position in the power rankings and was a strong front-runner to take the lead. He outperformed Drake on “First Person Shooter,” went bar to bar with him again on “Evil Ways” from the “Scary Hours Edition of For All The Dogs,” and just completed a successful national tour.

II.The Apology and Its Aftermath

IMAGE VIA THE NEW YORK TIMES

Cole was set to answer the call when he released his “Might Delete Later” EP. However, moments later, his infamous apology came, leading many people to write him off and not wanting to hear from him for a while. Then he reappeared on the bubbling New York sensation Cash Cobain’s track “Grippy,” which has been regarded as one of Cole’s worst verses. The verse wasn’t even bad, but if it wasn’t mind-blowing post-apology, any verse he penned was going to get panned anyway.

III.The Dismantling of the Big 3

The idea of the Big 3 has been dismantled. The world waits on a new K-dot album, ready to crown him as number one, while the Drizzy hive stands patient awaiting Drake’s inevitable return. Again, what is Cole to do?

IV.The Two-Part Plan for Cole's Comeback

I believe Cole has to do two things to ensure a great comeback and even get his name back into that front-runner conversation. We know he’s been hyping up his album The Fall Off, which is in a worse position post-beef. Here’s what he should do to make sure his album isn’t swept under the rug when it drops.

First, Cole has to address Symba. Why Symba? People may have forgotten about that freestyle he did on the “Control” beat, but it needs to be addressed. He sympathized with letting Nas down but went on to say he left Bas and Cozz down, the whole squad down. He slammed him for the apologies. Cole has to address how he didn’t have to clout beef with Kendrick, and most importantly, he has to spank Symba for even thinking he can say that. There are a few angles he can go with, but I probably shouldn’t reveal that. If Cole is capable like I know he is, he should know the angles too. There are plenty of lyricists who will probably make fun of that apology moving forward with general bars, but he needs to make Symba the poster child of what happens when you disrespect Cole.

He needs to do this because Symba has enough lyrical respect from peers and elder statesmen of hip-hop that he’s worth addressing, and because Symba doesn’t threaten Cole in popularity. It’s like Pusha T with Drake. Symba can scorch Cole until he’s blue in the face, but modern rap is a popularity contest, and Cole would never lose that. However, for this to be effective, Cole would have to scorch Symba as if he’s going up against JAY-Z himself—no mercy! If Cole does this, half of the two-part plan to dominance will be secured by everyone taking mental notes: “Maybe we shouldn’t mess with this guy; that apology stuff doesn’t really mean anything.”

The second thing Cole must do is very simple: hits on hits! He has to get into his Forest Hills bag. That’s far from my favorite project from him, but it’s his most commercially successful album, and his sound isn’t compromised! He should re-listen to that album hard while creating The Fall Off and study the singles from Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life. He needs smashes—songs for the radio!

With these two things working in unison, we’ll quickly forget the same people saying they “...never want to hear him again,” “he’s soft,” blah blah, will be the same people saying “oh Cole’s the G.O.A.T., Cole’s the G.O.A.T.”

These are only suggestions, and he can take these suggestions and stuff them up Rubi Rose’s ass for all he cares. But if he still cares and wants to get back in that conversation, he’s got to do something along these lines. It’s not even much, but it’ll be more than enough. Trust!

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THE ACCOUNTABILITY SNOWBALL

THE ACCOUNTABILITY SNOWBALL

I was thinking real quick on why people have such a difficult time with accountability. Specifically, people within my community/social sphere. I believe it stems from most people starting off in circumstances beyond their control. First, actually being born is a whole outside event in itself. You didn’t ask to be here, you had no idea you was coming (God Did lol) but you just showed up and until adolescence (young adulthood) your life is in someone else’s hands.

During this time. a period we’ll refer to as “Deferred Responsibility”; you’re being guided by someone’s morals, life experience, and financial stability, all which effects your overall childhood and has a huge impact on who you are to become.

Back in church we were taught about the age of accountability, while a verse may not explicitly states how old you are when you are considered “accountable”, we were generally taught at 12 years old you have reached the age of accountability. Which means you should know right from wrong and you have enough foundation to make solid decisions and if you make an unwise decision you should be able to own up to your decisions and face the music.

If we know there’s a certain threshold where accountability is “activated”, then why do many adults have difficulty being accountable? Its because trauma + a no responsibility period + a dramatic responsibility increase = adults who have difficulty being accountable. Its hard to own up to things when everything was so out of your control and now life is forcing you to be in control.

Some people are faced with raising children, building careers, overcoming heartache, health conditions, its always something to face. However, it gets to a certain point in life where you have to ask “When am I going to take responsibility for my life”, “when will I admit whatever is going on at this point is my fault”.

Me for example, I have so much I can hold onto and be a loser about. Nobody ever got me driver’s training, I grew up financially unstable, I never been to disneyworld as a kid lol. I got plenty stuff I can hold onto, be sad about, and allow it to stagnate me in life.

But screw that one day I sat down and said “Bro whatever I have in my life its my fault, and if I don’t have it now I’m going to work to get it!”. From that moment I went on a winning streak lmao. Still took L’s but man I refused to live handcuffed by childhood trauma because if you never get over it, it snowballs into adulthood and you’re chained to the past.Take control now if you haven’t and make that determination today, “Life is in my hands and I’m going to achieve with everything I desire!”! How can you move forward if you’re always looking behind? Think about it beloved..

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FIRST FRIDAY: 🎨Join Us for an Artful Soirée on September 1st! 🎉

🎉 Exciting News! 🎨

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of art and inspiration at the Murphy Arts Center, Future Friends HMC Art Gallery.

🗓 Date: Friday, September 1, 2023 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM 📍 Location: 1043 Virginia Ave, Suite 213

Join me, Jaevonn Harris, and an incredible lineup of fellow artists for a captivating showcase. From my latest creations to the stunning works of other talented artists, you're in for an artistic journey like no other.

Indulge in the world of creativity, shop unique art merchandise, and connect with like-minded art enthusiasts. It's an evening designed to celebrate passion and imagination.

Your presence would be the perfect brushstroke to this canvas of creativity. I can't wait to share this experience with you.

See you there! 🎨🖼🥂

NOTHING LIKE A GOOD CAMEO

NOTHING LIKE A GOOD CAMEO

August 31, 2022

On this day, I was watching Latto’s video for her single, “It’s Givin”. It’s a standout track on her sophomore album, 777, and its produced by FNZ, JetsonMade, and Pooh Beatz. While I was watching the video, I saw several cameos from the likes of Angela Simmons, Chloe x Halle, Ella Mai, Flo Milli and more. That’s when I thought man its something about a good cameo that just make a video/film/track, etc hit harder. I believe its because of several things..

I.CAMEO SHOWS SUPPORT.

Cameo is defined as a small character part in a play or movie, played by a distinguished actor or a celebrity. Meaning that this is someone who doesn’t have to be apart of whatever their making a cameo in. Their role is minor and its probably free of charge, so its something about this project that is so respectable by the person making the cameo, that it makes the cameo worthwhile. I believe the audience can pick up on that and something goes off in their head like wow this person must believe in this things they’re in otherwise why are you here?

II.CAMEO CAN ALSO BE A SIGN OF RESPECT.

The main example of this are probably the Stan Lee cameos. Other than the fact he probably had a literal contract clause that required him to make a cameo in most Marvel movies, I’m sure most people would not be opposed to seeing a founding pillar of Marvel make an appearance for a few seconds. Stan Lee cameos were the living embodiment multiple years filled with sacrifice, failure, and triumph. You saw the movie’s vision as Stan Lee made his standard pop in. You think about the external things that I mentioned previously before you dive back into the deep comic world built by him and others.

A well placed cameo can take a simple video to moment in time. If you can create a moment and possibly create a timestamp in history then your piece of performative art accomplished everything it could be and more!

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MY JOURNEY TO NO WAY HOME

MY JOURNEY TO NO WAY HOME

Yesterday, I finally saw the year’s most anticipated film, Spider-Man: No Way Home.  After foolishly browsing the internet while the swarms of spoilers were released into the atmosphere, I actively avoided spoilers and got the experience I longed for.

Man It turned out to be worth every ounce of excitement I put into this damn movie. I purposely saw it in a big theatre, wore some WLCM, and brought in my favorite snack to enjoy this cinematic masterpiece.

But how about we start this from the beginning?

So when No Way Home news first started we knew Doctor Strange would be involved and would kind of play a Tony Stark-esque role to Peter. Which Peter desperately needed another mentor figure in his life after the death of Mr.Stark. (Damn R.I.P. Tony we miss you my boy).

Anyways that’s all we had until that trailer dropped. Oh my lord that first trailer dropped and I lost my muffin top beloved. Besides the usual spider action, we saw classic Spiderman villains, Doc-Ock and at the end we saw one of the Green Goblin’s bombs!

Holy smokes! That trailer impacted me so much I had to make a song about No Way Home. I even drew myself in a spider suit for the single cover. At this point I’m all in Spiderman. 

So the anticipation builds and builds. I start hearing talks that Tobey McGuire and Andrew Garfield may make an appearance in the film. However both parties denied their appearances and I was left with nothing but speculation.

Anyways another trailer drops and now I realized the Jamie Foxx’s character will be returning which give me more hope for Multiverse Madness!!(no pun intended). 

Finally, its release week! This movie is going so damn crazy people tried to sale opening day tickets for 10K beloved, 10K! If I ever spend 10K on movie tickets please slap me with the biggest Thor Hammer you can find in the multiverse. 

Head to the merchandise tab for more.

Knowing this is the biggest premiere of the year my main mission was to avoid the damn spoilers at any costs! I couldn’t stop using the internet for business purposes so I just tried to avoid certain pages, although I probably could’ve muted certain words but I didn’t feel doing that.

Me and my girlfriend seeing the movie!

So I made it my mind, I’m seeing No Way Home opening week. I wanted my haircut, I wanted to wear a WLCM hoodie that featured the webslinger, and I wanted to watch it in a packed theatre for reactions to special scenes.

Lord and behold I got exactly what I wanted. My barber hooked me up to the heavens, my WLCM hoodie was nicely pressed, and the theatre reacted gloriously! *SPOILER WARNING!!!* 

Especially when Andrew and Tobey was revealed, I literally screamed “Oh Shiiiiiiiiiitttt”. Man it was so hype beloved. I left the theatre so satisfied. I wanted to make a whole soundtrack but I didn’t have the time. I’ll still probably make one more song inspired by the film though. 

But there it is loved one, my journey to No Way Home was like a kid’s. Nothing but excitement that didn’t even leave me disappointed. Zendaya’s character said “Expect disappointment not to be disappointed.”However, expected the exact opposite and got exactly what I wanted!

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YEEZY ACTIONS

YEEZY ACTIONS

April 25, 2021

Boy was at TMZ talking crazy lol.

Lately the boy Kanye West has been under hella scrutiny and I guess for good reason. He ran around supporting what some people consider public enemy number one, he said slavery was a choice (even though people knew what he meant they just chose to ignore that), and a host of other things that made people go “wtf kanye”. Regardless of Kanye’s crazy actions we should applaud these actions he’s taken lately.

I. DMX

Turn $200 into a Million!

First off rest in peace, Earl Simmons. You may know him as DMX, the polarizing Yonkers MC gave the world numerous classics and greater than his classics he provided the world with an ingenuity that few possess. DMX was filled with so much soul that radiated with the nation, all colors and creed. When DMX passed hit it us all hard and naturally those in the arts wanted to honor DMX with tangible art.

Kanye did that by partnering with Balenciaga to create a DMX memorial tee. What makes this collaboration special is Kanye could’ve easily released this on his own accord or DMX estate could’ve easily printed up $30 tees for the public to consume. However, Kanye used high fashion and used people love for designer to his advantage.

Adding the designer cache, using a non-hip platform to elevate a hip hop legend, all equals a winning strategy that ended up greatly benefitting DMX’s estate. A $200 shirt amassed over a $1 Million that went to DMX’s estate and will continue to help his family even after DMX’s unfortunate passing. Ye didn’t have to do this. But his love and respect for DMX, especially having early placements on DMX album, drove him to make sure he honored DMX in a way HE KNEW he could. That’s something to respect in my opinion.

II. GEORGE FLOYD

Also, rest in peace to George Floyd. I don’t even have to go into details here, we all sadly know that George Floyd’s life was unjustly taking and stirred up a smorgasbord of emotions across the world! Everyone reacted in different ways..some took to the streets to protest, some was driven to write, some was driven to create art, and some was even pushed to pray harder for change.

“I am one with the people” - Kanye West.

(c) Saint Pablo ft Sampha. The Life of Pablo.

Kanye took action as well by silently making one of the most commendable moves that a person with his stature can make in response to a situation such as this. Kanye donated $2 million to the estates of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.

Not only did he make a monetary donation to the estate, he started a college fund for George Floyd’s daughter! Say what you want but that’s huge! Unfortunately the unjust deaths of blacks & minorities bring out vultures and attention whores who want to use misfortune to their advantage. It serves as think-pieces, social commentary, and many other profit driven forms.

Nothing is wrong with speaking and writing about these situations, but if you claim to be a progenitor of change but you’re all talk and no action then what are you really doing? Ye was not obligated to do this, yes he’s wealthy but his wealth is not owed to society. He may be criticized if he chose to not use his wealth to make change but at the end of the day it is his choice! He didn’t make a big splash or come out screaming from the mountain tops, “Look at what me, Kanye West has done!!!”.

No he saw a great wrong and he did what he probably felt in his heart was right. For someone who’s life was cut without just cause, creating opportunity for their offspring is one of the most respectable things you can do. Its literally putting your money where your mouth is, which is more of what we need!

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WHEN I KNEW RADIO WAS RIGGED

WHEN I KNEW RADIO WAS RIGGED

We all know radio is trash when it comes to playing music, You’re going to hear the same six and seven songs because if you’re not on a major label you’re mostly not getting played. The radio have the potential to be so much more but it will never reach that because of the money and politics that is involved in radio. So when did I know radio was definitely rigged? Let’s take it back to 2003.

Back in 2003, Outkast released their more commercially successful album ever, the diamond-certified double disc, Speakerboxxx/TheLoveBelow. Speakerboxxx was a lyrical showcase and we know The Love Below helped set the foundation for much of today’s melodic hip hop. It was a true masterpiece. Till this day people still don’t know that Andre 3000 actually says “Happy Valentines Day, Everyday the 14th” not “February 14th”. People have argued me down about this but it was absolutely pointless I had the real cd, with the booklet that had the lyrics, so argue your mama.

Anyways, I can’t recall which song I wanted to hear on the radio but most likely it was Prototype. So one day we was in the car and I called into the radio to make a request. I couldn’t believe I actually got through! The dude said “ whats up man what you wanna hear” ? I was like “yo I wanna hear Protrotype by Outkast!” He said “Alr man we got that coming right up and take all that bass out your voice’. I believed he asked my age so thats why he said that.

Me and my mama was all excited like aw Vonnie you made the radio so cool. Then we waited and waited and waited and they never played my song!! But you know what they played? The same dang song we heard earlier!!!!!!! That’s when I knew the radio is trash and is rigged and don’t care about what people want to hear.

I never understood why people would call in and request the song they just heard played 30 times in 2 hours. It made me think man are these callers fake? What is the deal here !

But since that day I refused to call in again and I damn sure don’t listen to the radio anymore lol.

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WE MUST BE CONSCIOUS OF WHAT WE MAKE COOL

WE MUST BE CONSCIOUS OF WHAT WE MAKE COOL

Its no secret that hip hop is the most influential genre/culture in the world. It impacts every aspect of living from fashion to the automobile industry and everything in between. I was watching the video for Jeezy’s “Almighty Black Dollar ft Rick Ross” and he had some bars slamming non-black owned lyrics. After seeing that it made me think about the connection of alcohol and hip hop and what made certain spirits so cool.

I. I’LL BE DAMNED IF I DRINK BELVEDERE WHILE PUFF GOT CÎROC

HOV said these lyrics from the standout track “Family Feud” from the 2017 release “4:44”. Its crazy to see Hov get to this point, if you know the history with him and the world of spirits. During the earlier days of his career, you could hear and see a constant unofficial endorsement of Cristal. It was Cristal this Cristal that, until the owner of Cristal said some disparaging racist remarks. After that HOV made a declaration to not support Cristal again.

Other people followed suit yet you still see some artists drink Cristal…to this day. The question is why? Especially if most of them is privy to the racist remarks made.

II. ARTISTS HAVE TO LIVE OUT WHAT THEY LOOKED UP TO

As I stated earlier, hip hop is the most influential thing in the world. So of course the influence permeates in upcoming hip hop acts. From the Lyrics to the Image, part of an artist come up is being to live out things they saw growing up. So it made me realized the new artists are gonna live out what they aspired to at least once.

The first thing I thought about was lyrics by local Detroit cult classic rap group, Doughboyz Cashout. Its no secret they were inspired by the even more classic rap group, Streetlordz and the streetlordz had hella lyrics referencing Cristal so its no surprise that DBC would pop up in their videos with Cristal as well.

To Bring it to a more national level, I even remember when Rocky first came out in 2011, I was seeing him in his video with Cristal and it was clear he had an extreme 90s influence on his music.

You can’t fault artists for promoting the Cristal image because it was associated with legendary moments in life. However once those moments are felt you do notice the artists quickly abandon that aspiration they had and move on to something different. You don’t see Rocky or DBC talking about no damn Cristal anymore. Its just don’t hit as hard once you already did it.

III. WHY WE MUST BE CONSCIOUS

A person can’t get over something they put on a pedestal until they experience what they put on a pedestal and realize that its not as hype as they thought it was. We have to be conscious of what we make cool from the beginning so we won’t start a cycle of b.s. Older experienced+respected street dudes can tell the youngins the streets isn’t worth it, but the youngins still want to have their own experiences and its hard to listen when the OG made the street life seems so appealing and worth the risk.

So if we start in the beginning to be conscious of what we elevate in the culture we can alleviate the dumb stuff at a much rapid rate and we can focus on elevating instead of waiting each generation to grow up and then proceed with the growth.

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A SINGLE MEAL

A SINGLE MEAL

an interpretation of Jacob and Esau: img source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jconnectseattle.org%2Fevents%2Fjacob-and-esau-whos-really-the-good-twin-and-whos-the-evil-one%2F&psig=AOvVaw2lUW0Bkmgll5fii-euhSZH&ust=1610159382571000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJjtr66li-4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

Whenever I speak with people going thru turbulent times, I always try to remind them do not make desperate decisions, even if it seems like there is no other option. Desperation leads to an impulsiveness that can be hard to rectify. Impulsive acts are often foolish choices that can have big blowbacks simply because we didn’t take time to think of things in the long run.

img source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chabad.org%2Fparshah%2Farticle_cdo%2Faid%2F2372639%2Fjewish%2FEsau-Sells-His-Birthright-for-a-Mess-of-Pottage.htm&psig=AOvVaw3PO95klGIlCayCPkVg2Rtv&ust=1610159497418000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAMQjB1qFwoTCNjMld2li-4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

This made me think of the story of Esau and Jacob, the two sons of Abraham. Esau was entitled to Abraham’s blessing being that he was the first born. However, Esau was unaware about how much value his birthright had and his younger brother would soon take advantage of that.

One day after working in the fields, a hungry and fatigued Esau entered the home as Jacob was making a pot of stew. Stew that probably wasn’t that good, but would probably taste crazy delicious to a man who hasn’t ate a thing all day long. Especially back in those biblical days, man the heat probably hit so different and he was probably funky, he just needed a good meal and a bath lol.

Anyways, Jacob seized this moment (he was plotting on Esau’s birthright the whole time) and offered Esau the stew in exchange for Esau’s birthright. Esau made a foolish rationalization, declaring that a birthright will be worthless to a dead man so he swore off his birthright in exchange of food.

After learning he was tricked by his mother and Jacob ( go read the full story in Genesis and you’ll see how that came about), he tried to get his birthright back but to no avail.

Here’s a couple things that impulsiveness/desperation makes you do:

1. REASONS THAT DON’T MAKE NO SENSE

In a desperate measure you start trying to convince yourself that the dumb decision you is about to make is a good one, you can usually tell its a foolish rationalization because it will involve extremities. I.E. Esau saying a birthright is no good to a dead man. I mean I guess that’s true but that boy wasn’t about to die, he was just hungry, yeah we all been at that point of what feels like starvation but like I always say, “it ain’t that deep.”

2. SHORT TERM EARN, LONG TERM BURN

Esau’s birthright had so much attach to it. It’s a literal blessing from God, you have a whole lineage covered in God’s divine grace. God’s grace covers a multitude of things in your life from health to wealth and everything in between. His birthright was long term gain, something he wouldn’t immediately feel the affects from but it was a sure thing if you let it play out.

But that food it was right there, in that very moment. You knew the instant effects of that food. You was hungry, bones aching, you been in that hot pre-historic sun, ain’t no nikes back then you probably in sandals made from wood, man you just wanna eat. You can smell that food and you can even taste it. But you can only eat that one time, once Esau eats that food and his stomach is quieted bet he came back to reality like, “this fool done stole my whole birthright, naw imma need that back on god”.

However, it’s no getting that back. Once you make a dumb in the moment decision its gonna take the Grace of God Almighty himself to help you bounce back and that was something Esau didn’t have.

FINAL WORDS

Your mind can play some tricky sometimes sick games in your head cues Geto Boys - Mind Playing Tricks on Me , but you have to remember that if I make this decision in haste its 90% chance this isn’t going to go as well as I think it is. Remember to never trade your “birthright” for “a single meal”, its just never worth it.

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THEY SAID YOU COULDN’T FIND THIS IN THE BIBLE

THEY SAID YOU COULDN’T FIND THIS IN THE BIBLE

I was scrolling twitter one day, reading my timeline and I seen a tweet from one of my favorite accounts to follow. He alleges the law of attraction and the law of responsibility couldn’t be found in school or the bible. 

This tweeter is a smart young man and very entertaining but I found the statement he said false, well only the part where he says it can’t be found in the Bible. He’s right school isn’t teaching you all that extra spiritual stuff, they don’t wanna see you win foreall anyways lol.

I. LAW OF ATTRACTION.

First, twitter user, Guns & Crayons said “law of attraction you visualize what you want- energy harvesting you get people behind your vision use their energy.”

According to Proverbs 23:7, “for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..” Whatever you think and dwell on in your heart will manifest itself in your life. At this point, this is general knowledge to most people who have an ounce of spirituality but some are unaware of its biblical roots. 

The other part to his law of attraction meaning states, “energy harvesting you get people behind your vision use their energy.” Growing up as a Christian, and a continuing practicing Christian, I was taught that blessings are always delivered through people. You can use this verse as a piece of evidence.

Proverbs 15:22 says “plans fail when there is no counsel, but with abundant advisers they are established.” Abundant advisors are people getting behind your vision. When you listen to counsel you are effectively using their energy to help propel your plans forward. 

II. LAW OF RESPONSIBILITY 

Next, my mans said “law of responsibility — you show the universe you can handle it so it gives you more..” According to the word, we were always taught don’t despise small beginnings. Zechariah 4:10 says “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see work begin, to see the plumb in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

This excerpt from biblehub.com , explains this perfectly. “4:10 For who hath despised - In the work of God, the day of small things is not to be despised. God often chuses weak instruments, to bring about mighty things: and tho' the beginnings be small, he can make the latter end greatly to increase. For - Tho' they undervalued the meanness of the second temple, yet when finished, they shall rejoice in it. 

The plummet - The perpendicular with which Zerubbabel shall try the finished work. With those seven - In subordination to the Divine Providence expressed by the seven eyes, which were on that stone.

And those that have the plummet in their hand, must look up to these eyes of the Lord, must have a constant regard to the Divine Providence, and as in dependence upon its conduct, and submission to its disposals.”

Christians always turn to this verse to explain to people do not give up in the beginning and the beginning has a purpose. The Lord is always interested in developing our character. Plenty of people in the Bible started lowly and weren’t elevated quickly. David was destined to be king as a young man, but he wasn’t proclaimed as king till much later.  

Arguably his greatest feat, defeating Goliath the Giant, couldn’t had happened without first saving the sheeps from the Lion. David protecting the sheep from the Lion, showed the God of the universe that he would be able to protect the Lord’s sheep (the actual people) from an opponent as fierce as a Lion (Goliath).

If David couldn’t protect the sheep, how would he be able to protect a whole group of people, that’s why he had to show he could handle his responsibility before he was giving more.

III. SEARCH THE WORD

In conclusion, I know people are off put by institutionalized religion. We know slavery used religion against us and hypocritical preachers are deterring people left and right. However, the wrongdoing of the people does not take away from the truth in the word. Before we claim, something is not in the Bible or we can’t learn from it, let us first search the word first before we make such claims.

This article is not an attack on Guns & Crayons, I just wanted to use his tweet as a teaching moment. Love.

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AN UN-DRIVEABLE BENZ

AN UN-DRIVEABLE BENZ

One particular day I was getting my haircut and during the cut I was facing the window. Across the street was an autobody shop that had a couple cars out front and in the midst of those cars I noticed a benz. I said “man that Benz hard but it can’t even go nowhere.” That’s when it hit me, a lot of things in life can be like an un-driveable benz.

The Benz out front looked like nothing was wrong with it. It didn’t look too old, it still had a nice platinum finish, and at the end of the day it’s a benz for Christ sake! lol. However, no matter how good it looked I knew it was being wasted if its sitting out front not functioning.

An un-driveable benz can be like a seemingly healthy exterior(Slim, Nice Skin, etc.) but the insides are in peril. I’ll never forget a conversation I had with my cousin. We were at my aunty apartment and we just finished swimming. I don’t know what triggered it but I said to him “cuz just because you’re skinny don’t mean you’re healthy”.

That conversation always creeps me out because my cousin ended up passing several years later and he was skinny & tall, you would think he was a perfectly healthy kid(he played basketball and everything). But what outsiders wouldn’t be able to tell is that he had a vicious battle with asthma.

Being in shape or just appearing fine is nothing if you’re not actually fine. A new KIA is automatically better than a Benz, if the Benz doesn’t even operate. So to put this thought to an end, think about the classic phrase “its whats on the inside that counts” and continue forward from there!

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CARRIED BY YOUR WORKS

CARRIED BY YOUR WORKS

I.  BUILD A CATALOG

Creating a lasting legacy should be at the top of everyone’s mind. No matter the field you are in, consistency and persistency will always help you reach your goal. The key to keeping your work is alive is by building a catalog.

If you do music, you can’t drop one song a year and expect to be Drake. (Don’t tell yourself the quality over quantity lie, something I touched on in a previous article, go find it beloved). 

You have to add to your repertoire daily and give people a sort of never ending stream of your works. Let’s take a look at a few examples

II. PASTOR STEPHEN DARBY

Pastor Stephen Darby was a pastor out of Louisville, KY, who gained a lot of traction online for his prophetic and convicting messages. Truly his messages are life changing, they deeply pierces the soul. Unfortunately Pastor Darby, suddenly passed away and just like that there weren’t any new messages to look forward to, no new spiritual food to feast on.

However, Pastor Darby has so many videos already put up online, it’s almost as if he didn’t go anywhere, there is always a video to watch and his videos are so deep, you can rewatch the same videos and still receive something new from it. 

Pastor Darby had the foresight to record and build up his works, now when a person discovers him, they may be upset that he died but they can always feel connected to him and his ministry because he did what he was supposed to do and built a catalog.

III. MY ARTWORK

The art game is a whole different beast. Playing this game takes time, effort, and a bit of money. Where people fail is at the time and effort, just like how making one song a year gets you nowhere so does making one piece a year or very seldom making pieces. Being inconsistent is absolute poison to your art career. 

However, let’s explore how did the opposite of that.

A. BACK IN THE RHYTHM

Believe it or not, during my undergraduate years at UAPB (wooooooo) I did not spend much time drawing. Matter fact the only time I remember drawing is my freshmen year and the time I’m going to tell you about now.

In my senior year, I had to do summer school to finish my last semester timely, I refused to come back for the fall, I wanted out of there!!

To keep myself occupied during those dog days of the summer I started back sketching in my mini sketchbook. I rebranded my art page from (JHarryartcorner) to (the__corner) and I started uploaded sketches frequently, finding myself back in love with drawing.

B. 2016

2016, was the year I put the battery in my pack not to let up. It was the year I finally got to go to New York for the first time. This was a frustrating period because I graduated college with no opportunity, I lost my great paying job to go take a test to graduate and when I got back it was hell getting into the marketplace.

Literally applied to over a 1,000 jobs (no cap, I really mean over a thousand!!!) before I got back to it but that’s another story.

Anyways, I got to New York and it was a breath of fresh air, exactly what I needed. Everyday there I drew new pictures, constantly adding to the lore of the__corner.  It was even times I had to choose between eating or getting new markers, of course I chose the markers!!

Even after my return from New York, I was able to continue my consistency into drawing, and I am still carried by those 2016 works today.

C. TYING IT ALL TOGETHER

Recently I started an archive page where I post daily, yes daily, previous works that I’ve done over the year. I’ve put in so much work I can flood the TL at any time. Even before my consistent 2016 year, I’ve been drawing all my life so I can post those as well. 

It’s crazy some of those works are just getting the recognition they deserved. Even pics I did from two years ago are receiving the recognition like it just came out today. Products that I created in 2017, sitting on the floor of my apartment are now some of my highest grossing items.

D. PUTTING THAT WORK IN

First of all it is because of Christ I am able to flourish in any of this. In addition to that, this is what happens when you consistently put that work in. You can be carried by your work! You won’t even have to make new stuff if you don’t want, when you built up your catalog enough, (why do you think your music publishing and stuff like that is so important but thats another story).

So go out there and put in the work, so you too may be carried by your work!

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HOPE, WISDOM, AND EVERYTHING THAT COULD WRONG.

HOPE, WISDOM, AND EVERYTHING THAT COULD WRONG.

One of my favorite activities is reading my bible. Not only is it always an enjoyable read but its absolutely key to my survival. 

There are some books of the Bible that seem to be more prevalent for me in my life at the moment. I also find it crazy how these three impactful books runs back-to-back-to-back.

I. HOPE

I like to look at Psalms as the book of hope. Someone may have pointed you towards Psalms to read verses about your healing, protection, and drawing closer to good in general. Here’s some key examples.

II. WISDOM

Now the book of Proverbs is my absolutely favorite book of the Bible. Proverbs is known as the book of wisdom, rightfully so, as it features writings from the wisest person in history (Solomon). If I don’t live by anything else in this book (which I definitely do), I live by passages in here. Here’s some key examples.

III….AND EVERYTHING THAT COULD BE WRONG

This last book, the book of Ecclesiastes (say that three times fast), is kind of a Debbie downer, but its absolutely necessary. In sum it basically tells us that everything we pursue in life is ultimately meaningless as nothing compares to living for God. 

In addition to the fact that we can’t take any material possessions, this book basically asks, “whats the point of it all”? This thought process makes sense as this book was once again written by Solomon, the wisest man in history.

Solomon was essentially a man who had it all and he’s seen the highest of highs and reached the lowest of lows. From money problems to family problems to women problems you named it, he really seen it all like his name was Solomon Jeezy or something. Anyways, here’s some key examples.

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DEPTHS OF THE NINJA WORLD - BTS

THIS MEAN SOMETHING

THIS MEAN SOMETHING

KOBE, INC. BY JAEVONN HARRIS ~ INSTAGRAM.COM/THE__CORNER

Today marks the untimely loss of basketball icon Kobe Bryant. Kobe, who’s greatness I’m probably not even qualified to describe, is mourned by millions if not billions, worldwide.

As always, when someone of incredible stature dies there is always an asshole, who wants to drive home the point of “he’s just a basketball player” and/or “you don’t even know him”.

Such words are always wildly unnecessary and does nothing but show how idiotic some people can be.

It is easy to criticize people over their emotional attachment to celebrities, material possessions, and even the intangible things pop culture offers.

However, the emotional attachment to these things can often have a deeper meaning than their surface level presentation.

WHEN THE LEGENDS LINK by Jaevonn Harris

To me Kobe just wasn’t a basketball player. He was a strategist, a person whose physique was overshadowed by his brilliant mind.

The thing that impressed me the most wasn’t necessarily basketball, it was Kobe’s just other-worldly approach to life.

The fact he spoke several languages, his incredible work ethic, his obsessiveness with conquering his opponent, it is something truly to admire.

When a person or thing possess this much enigma of course you’re going to develop an attachment.

People crude remarks about a person just being a celebrity or any phrase that diminish significance just made me think about a classic piece of artwork I did.

The piece “THIS DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING” actually meant the exact opposite, everything on the picture actually mean something!

THIS DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING by Jaevonn Harris

Whether it was the dropout bear that helped solidified my love for Ye, or the kingdom key from Kingdom Hearts, the video game that I can remember playing for countless hours trying to complete it.

This things may not mean anything, but given the right circumstances & the passage of time, anything can mean everything!

#MAMBA4LIFE

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YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT

YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT

Most of us have codes that we live by, standards that we set forth for ourselves that we try to live by daily.

Sometimes the point of a code can be misunderstood.

Some people like to point out how much of a morally upright person they are or even call out someone who aren’t living by a certain code.

At the end of the day, codes are for no one but ourselves alone.

It’s easy to fool the world especially with technology helping us everyday.

I can trick the world into thinking I’m a millionaire, a stand up guy, a ladies man, anything I want them to believe but in the end, I’m the one who has to go to sleep with all the lies And fronts I put up during the day.

When I think of the code I have for myself, I do actions that make me live by my code because I don’t want to disappoint myself, who cares what anyone else thinks.

I pride myself on keeping my word. It hurts my soul when I’m put in predicaments when I can’t keep my word.

Who cares about disappointing the other party, it’s about me knowing that I failed to live to a standard I set for myself.

When your code/ethics is questioned, no one will be present to hold yourself accountable. And if there is any sense of humanity in yourself, your heart will be convicted anytime you know you failed to live up to your standard. Whether you decide to make the applicable changes will be up to you.

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EVERYTHING YOU KNOW

EVERYTHING YOU KNOW

I remember when I first started my self improvement journey one of the first things I learned was not to reveal everything you know. For a while this made sense because well before WELÇOME© existed, me and a former partner of mine was trying to get shirts made and no one would give us info on how to get anything made. Probably because people were scared of competition and no one told them so they kept the cycle of ignorance going. So I thought that was the natural way of doing things.

Then as I started to accomplish more I began to notice, telling everything you know can’t work against you…if you’re a constant learner. How can you tell everything you know, if you don’t know everything? *minds explode*

People who are scared to share information, may seem threatened by the person who seeks the information or may believe the knowledge they hold is scarce and everyone shouldn’t have access to it.

Granted everything isn’t anyone business and its totally up to you to decide what people should be privy too. However this notion of people gaining a “1-Up” over someone or just using you information is sorta ridiculous.

Always keep in mind most times people aren’t going to use the information they seek from you, so it doesn’t hurt you to tell them because they lack the willpower/fortitude to act on the info anyway.

You can always tell when someone is serious, especially when you make it to a position where people regularly asks you for advice.

I’m not anywhere near where I want to be yet I still receive messages asking for advice on the regular basis. This idea of people “1-Uping” you can’t be fathomable if you keep yourself in active learning mode. Constantly improving is what keeps you ahead, not actively destroying those who seek t get ahead.

It may be a “dog eat dog” world, but there isn’t a need to move vicious all the time. Be willing to extend the helping hand because really the only one who suffer, is the fool who fails to act. 

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THE FIRST IS NEVER THE GREATEST

THE FIRST IS NEVER THE GREATEST

After listening to a recent sermon that involved the teaching of Genesis, I’ve come to realized the first really isn’t ever the greatest. Now of course there are exceptions, but here it seems like the General Rule is more prevalent.

Lets start w/ a list of firsts..

ADAM

Adam was the first man ever created. Created by God himself but yet he’s not the greatest man ever. Plenty characters(still unsure on using the word characters when they were real people but you know the vibes) in the Bible surpassed Adam in significance. You have Paul, the christian murderer turned greatest missionary, Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, and Moses, whose life helped served as an inspiration to the ultra classic animated film The Prince of Egypt(Who doesn’t love that movie? If you don’t boy stop reading this!!!)

JAMES NAISMITH

I’D PLAY HIM WITH THE SAME SUIT ON AND DROP 50 ! LOL.

The founder of basketball, James Naismith. Come on I don’t even need more than a sentence to say how James Naismith, is by far not the greatest basketball player and he invented the game. In fact, He would probably die from trying to check Michael Jordan and he wouldn’t last 2 seconds against the weakest WNBA player. 

PS1

The Playstation gave me great memories some of which I’ve shared in previous articles. But be real, you would take a PS4 over a PS1 any day. The graphics are terrible compared to now and its no internet! Plus the PS5 is around the corner, PS1 if you don’t get yo bum ass on lol!

FOUNDATION

Although these things may not be the greatest, they serve an integral role. All the aforementioned things serve as a foundation for greatness. Without Adam, there is no human race. Without James Naismith, I would never be screaming my lungs out for Lebron James, and Without the PS1, I would never be confused to whether I’m watching a real game on TNT or is it just an exhibition match in NBA2K.

No the first may never be the greatest but the first is great at being a foundation. And nothing worthwhile stands without solid foundation.

IT AIN’T ABOUT WHO DID IT FIRST IT’S ABOUT WHO DID IT RIGHT

- DRAKE

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THE SYMPATHIZERS

THE SYMPATHIZERS  

KD after a successful surgery, reassuring fans worldwide that he will be fine.

The 2019 NBA FINALS has been one emotional rollercoaster ride. This year Golden State went from the most hated team in the League… to people actually showing empathy and being sympathetic for the Warriors?!

photo via ESPN

 photo via ESPN

How does hate turns to “love” so swiftly? It’s called having a human heart. After seeing what the Warriors went through it activates something in a person with a soul to see that type of anguish. People identify with losses and struggle, not perfection. When the Warriors dominance started to look shaky, that’s when the massive support started to come together.

First, the horrific injury that happened to Kevin Durant shook the Warriors organization. Speculation swarmed the league that KD wasn’t ready to play in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA FINALS. However, the bustle of maybe he could come back and play also entrenched the league. When he did return to play he came back w/ a vengeance. Most would agree this was looking like a 40 point game for KD.

cop the tee 👉🏾 gettothecorner.com/welcome/sidelinedrizzy

Then, KD went down (oh no) with what we all knew was a fatal injury. The league sent their undying love and support. Even The Boy, Drizzy Drake was distraught on the sidelines like he just seen his dog get hit by a F-150.

Funny, KD was just the biggest snake on Planet Earth. Some went as far to call him the scum of the Earth. Now he’s everyone hero because he showed heart from a place of vulnerability.

The tragedy for Golden State didn’t stop there. Klay was also bit by the injury bug after a dunk attempt that left him with a torn ACL. Fueled by a will to win, he makes it back to the court and hit two Kobe-esque free throws. 

China Klay in action 🤦🏾‍♂️

Like KD, Klay was swarmed with love and support. Klay was just a budding joke, who even had the infamous nickname “China Klay” ( in reference to his Asia Tour for his signature sneakers in which he played like a person with zero basketball IQ). 

Seeing the Warriors depleted and facing imminent defeat gave people a chance to actually feel remorse for them. They’re able to feel Remorse after witnessing five straight dominant years. 

A dynasty everyone wanted to end but after these misfortunate onslaughts to the team’s morale maybe the cheering for Bay Area’s Guiding Light will start once again.

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HOW QUICK WE FORGET

HOW QUICK WE FORGET

the first iPhone , man what a commodity this was

Today I was tracking a package for new WELÇOME© gear (oh yes #SAYURWLCM, the new collection, by WELÇOME©: HAND DRAWN GRAPHICS coming soon) and I clicked the link in my messages to track the package.

so many features and specs, boy I don’t know where to start

When I click the link I thought to myself “man how amazing is it that I can actually do this, I forgot how big of a deal this is”, which made me think about how quick we forget the coolness of things.

First, we can start by actually having a touch screen phone. Remember clicking one button for five different letters. Then T-9 came in play but you had to take a training course at Yale to master that lol.

Next, what about actually having the internet on our phone. Ever browsed the web on a flip phone? I did, and it was a complete waste of time. You can’t do anything on the flip phone internet browser. Think about someone from 99’ seeing you type in websites on your phone and watch full movies, their head would explode.

I’m still amazed at the XBOX ONE and PS4. Those are considered current-men games but I still look at them as next-gen games. However, pretty soon the PS5 is releasing and I’m not ready for that. I still don’t even have any video game system now lol.

look how amazing these graphics are 🔥, kids in the 80s heart would stop looking at this!

Leaps in human history have been so amazing but cool eventually get normal and we are left unimpressed. When things become the norm we shouldn’t be so quick to complain about lack of innovation. Instead, we should appreciate the current state of technology and respectfully encourage the big tech companies to expound further upon the great strides that they’ve already taken. 

Why wait on a company for that matter ? Dig into that head of yours and get ready to make your own generation changing contribution to society just be grateful and appreciate of the contributions already in existence.

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