You Ain't Bout That Life

Whattup doe!  This is Keenan and I’m back like I couldn’t leave you and ready to spit some more intrinsic knowledge for all of my fellow amateur philosophy professionals.  I hope all have been swell the last week or so while I’ve been away.  The posts haven’t been as frequent as I like because of all the other work that is going into BOM right now to ensure that we are able to provide the best product and experience to people as we possibly can.  Hopefully as we continue to develop our brand we will have more people that will want to be a part of “The BOMMob” (BOMSquad has been used too much) which will enable us to be able to accomplish more and deliver more content to our followers.  To get information on how you can help in the advancement of BOM, email us at therealbom@gmail.com orrrrr, DM us on Twitter @OfficialBOMMob...ANYWAYS!  That was boring.  Let’s talk.

Have you ever heard someone say, “You ain’t ‘bout that life!!!”??? It is usually shouted angrily when there is a verbal altercation between individuals after one has offended the other and the threat of violence is imminent.  It is also referenced when one is boasting of the festivities that they will be recreationally involved with during the evening hours and a friend must intervene to allow those in earshot that the boaster “ain’t ‘bout that life.”  These definitions of the term are probably best expressed by Dr. Flocka Flame on his song “U Ain’t Bout That Life”(disclaimer: he’s violent and cusses a lot, sorry not sorry).

I say all of that to say, I really like this term.  I feel as though it goes deeper than having to refer to someone’s ability to act tough or party all night before their 8 AM class.  It can be used to talk about all aspects of all lifestyles.  There are a multitude of lives that we can be about.  We can be about that student-athlete life AKA the most time consuming lifestyle on this side of the Marines.  We can be about that musician life (I wish I was about that life).  We can even be about that Dungeons and Dragons life! (well you can, I’m not about all that, but you get the point)  We all have particular interests that intrigue us, and we should stay in those realms.  That isn’t to say we shouldn’t try new things, but instead to say that we shouldn’t act like we are experts or experienced all of aspects this new thing.  For instance, if you are about that bird-watching life, don’t come to me to talk basketball like you know what you’re talking about.  You look dumb pretending to be a hooper.  Go study some Bald Eagles or explain to me why vultures evolution process made them so ugly.  This goes for every time people pretend to be something they’re not.  “Trying to fit in” is stupid.  If you don’t fit and the people you’re trying to fit with won’t let you because of differences between you and them, then that is their issue.  All we can control is ourselves.  That is why I say that we are all the bosses of ourselves because each of us is like a small company or corporation.  Our ideas, skills, thoughts, and interests are our product that we are selling.  Some people are like Coke and Pepsi and everyone wants to be around them and work with them.  Some people are the local fertilizer plant and only a few people want to get together to collaborate.  And some are like Enzyte.  People like what they see at first until they look a little deeper and realize that none of it is real and they go bankrupt.  Not everyone is going to be Pepsi and Coke because not everyone has the personality or popular interest that those type of people have.  Some of us are going to have to be the fertilizer plant; disliked (hopefully not for your smell) because you are doing what you like even if it is unpopular and reaping the benefits from being what you are.  Just don’t be Enzyte (for those that don’tremember Smilin’ Bob, click here).  At first everyone loved Enzyte and the possibilities and then all of a sudden they realized the façade that they were buying into and stopped.  All was good until people realized Enzyte wasn't bout that "Natural Male Enhancement" life. 

My last point is this:  It is much more difficult to try and be about a life that you aren’t about.  For me to act like I LARP (Googlethat to see what it means) would be ridiculous.  I have never done it and probably never will, but for me to pretend like it would cause me all types of unnecessary stress.  Keeping alive a lie is difficult and becomes more so the longer the lie is sustained.  Example:  Lance Armstrong.  If Lance had come out a decade ago and said, “Yes world, I used steroids because I had freakin’ cancer and needed help to get back to peak physical strength and sustain it” then maybe he wouldn’t be looked at as the worst type of person (profiting from charity).  His relief when he was finally caught was reported on because he knew that he could finally stop running and pretending to be this clean athlete that he pretended to be.  The easiest thing to be is ourselves.  It is also the most unique thing as well.  So I say, if you are an athlete, like sports; if you are a dancer, go to the ballet; if you like Justin Bieber, be a Belieber (I think that’s what they’re called); if you don’t believe in monogamist relationships, don’t date; if you do, don’t cheat; if you’re thirsty for one, go to the club; if you ain’t, cute don’t claim it; and if you ain’t about it, don’t be about it.  This post is why I say “We Like What We Like, So Do What You Do.”  If you like it, do it.  In the wise words of Mac Miller “Do what you do best.  I mean, it’s what you do best.”  The main message: Be Coke or Pepsi, some of us are fertilizer, but don’t be Enzyte.

I hope that was ok.  If not, oh well.  Anyways, go follow us on Twitter @OfficialBOMMob or check back here tomorrow to find out.  Also you can follow us on Instagram @OfficialBOMMob.  I’ll holla at y’all later.  Deuces Brodies.

Cole World: Born Sinner Review

Whattup world?!  It's Keenan (of course) and I'm back like MJ in '95!  If you didn't see the post yesterday, then go here before continuing so that you can keep up.  Let's continue...  So what album do I have as #6 out of the most recent summer releases?  No other than Born Sinner by J. Cole **golf claps**.  I must start this out by saying, I really thought J. Cole’s mixtapes were some of the best music I had heard for the longest.  My senior year in high school consisted of a ton of Kanye (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy), Mac Miller (KIDS), and J. Cole (The Warm-Up & Friday Night Lights).  Yes, two of his mixtapes were on constant repeat as I walked through the halls of Sycamore High School (side note: I am really looking forward to the day that I become a success and they ask me to come back to speak to some kids about how SHS was instrumental in my path to success.  My laugh will be a combination of hyena, Jay-Z, and Eddie Murphy followed by a resounding “No.”  Let’s just say I don’t have many fond memories of high school that didn’t occur on a basketball court).  Understand that just because he is ranked 6th on my list, doesn't mean I don't like the album.  It's a really good listen, and obviously a lot of people like it, but to me it was just a really tough group to contend with.  So as I review this, I hope that I’m not labeled a hater or anything (actually Idc, you can label me whatever helps you sleep better at night).  I’m being honest.  It’s what I do best.  Let’s start, shall we?

     1.       Villuminati

Firstly, let me say that I don’t like how Cole acts like he is from THE Ville.  Do you know how many Villes there are?!  Personally, I feel like Nashville is THE Ville (615 stand up).  But anyways, his first two lines compared himself to Jay-Z and Tupac.  Whoa sir!  I know it’s a Cole World and all, but it ain’t that Cole yet.  Like you’re “nice” but you ain’t “NICE!”  I think the whole f**got spiel is an example of that.  Like, he made a point, then eliminated it, made another and did nothing with it.  Huh?  But according to him I’m homophobic because I paid a lot of attention to that part. **Kanye shrug**.  As far as the beat to this song: ehh.  It doesn’t suck or anything, but I’m not like “Yo, J. Cole is the next greatest producer ever son.  Like, he’s gonna be up there with Dre soon.  Beat is CRAZY!!!!!” Nah, but its ok.

     2.       Kerney Sermon (Skit)

Stupid.  Stupid.  Stupid.  I can’t find the next button fast enough.  These 48 seconds added absolutely nothing to the album whatsoever.

     3.       LAnd of the Snakes

Da Art of Storytellin’ is about to come on?  Oh, nevermind.  It’s just the beat with a little Cole touch-up.  I mean it isn’t like this is from one of the greatest groups ever (Outkast) from one of the best albums (Aquemini).  That’s a lot to live up to.  I must say that I like how the song starts with “Damn Cole I wish I woulda known you would be rich/ Well, shoulda asked”.  Ha.  Funny.  I feel the same way.  This hook was trash “Make that ass drop/ Hey make that ass drop”.  The creativity is plentiful in this one *sarcasm*.  The end, when he talks to this girl that he hooked up with and never talked to again was funny too.  Everybody has that person that you ignored until you needed some attention or something.  They always seem happy to see or talk to you, but I think Cole is right in that in the back of their mind they’re like, “Oh so now you wanna talk huh?  When I locked my keys in my car and was stuck outside in the snow the other day with no jacket and my wet socks your phone was dead and you weren’t home, you ain’t want to.  You tweeted that you were bored at home!!”  Cool song.  It ain’t change my life or nothing, but it was cool.

     4.       Power Trip

We’ve all heard this song 3,773,438,347,509,817 times (s/o to the radio for trying to kill off every song they play), but I like it still.  Miguel aka Mr. Supreme Leg Drop is starting to become a favorite of mine.  I also like when dudes who can’t sing decide to try **gives thumbs up to J Cole**.  It gives me a part in the chorus where I can join in and feel like we’re really in this together.  If you are familiar with J. Cole then you probably realize that this is a continuation of his song “Dreams” where he fictionally (I hope) stalks a girl, gets denied by her because of a boyfriend, then kills the boyfriend because after you kill a girl’s boyfriend, she’s obviously going to want you because she wouldn’t suspect you might not just be crazy about her.  Maybe you’re just crazy.  Anyways, there isn’t much to say about this song though because we’ve heard it so much.  Still dope for now.

     5.       Mo Money

This was dope, money.  The beat is dope, money.  I don’t think he could rap a whole song like so, money.  But I still kinda wanted mo’ money. (see what I did there?  I rapped like… nevermind).  Next!

     6.       Trouble

The hook immediately gets a “Booooooooo.  You suck.”  But the choir was dope.  I’m a sucker for a good sample or a good choir (s/o Kanye).  The way he starts the second verse is nice though because I feel the same about school.  I’m just there to meet people and maybe learn some stuff that Google can’t teach me (which isn’t much).  I won’t quote the last 8 bars or so of that verse, but that part is REAL!  Overall, I’m not mad at the song, but I wouldn’t just be like “Aye cuz!  Put that ‘Trouble’ joint on!  That song makes me want to change the world like MLK and Malcolm X.  Like I feel empowered by the message.  Like I gain the ambition and knowledge of a young Aristotle from everything Cole says on that track.”  Nah.  But I don’t hate it.  I won't skip over it if it comes on.

     7.       Runaway

J. Cole has a lot of girl problems.  Without females, he loses like 98% of his raps.  And he basically dry snitches on himself by telling everyone that no matter how hard he tries, he’s still a dog.  Haha.  For him, that probably is ok because as a rich entertainer he can get girls ASAP, no Rocky.  Let one of us average, broke dudes try that.  We’d be out here looking thirstier than Tyrone Biggums in a drought.  Must be nice.  This probably my favorite song so far though.  The music is nice and what he is saying is nice.  I wouldn’t tell everyone this stuff, but it is how people act and really feel.  Also, he does more singing and I’m right there swooning with him.

     8.       She Knows

Another song about females. Surprise?  I say not.  I'm not a big fan of this production.  It doesn't call for endangered Polar Bears to be hunted for their fur or anything, but a couple cats might get their tails stepped on purposefully.  As far as lyrics, it’s just a continuation of the previous song talking about how terrible a boyfriend he would be to a girl.  Again, I don't hate it, but I wouldn't choke out an elderly lady WWE style for hitting the next button when it came on.

     9.       Rich Niggaz

I thought this was going to be some braggadocio about how everyone around him was rich, but instead it is the opposite.  He can’t even stand 93% of rappers we hear every day (I can’t either **looks at Lil’ Wayne**).  Not a huge fan of the music (it's an ok beat)  This song got stuck in my head after I wrote this, so it's better than I thought.  The content is what makes it so wonderful though because he’s completely right in stating that all these rappers talk about is money, jewelry, materialism (except they don’t use that word because it’s too big for them).  What is interesting is that he is under Jay-Z and if anyone has heard Jay’s music lately, you would know that he is the most extravagant person in the game right now.  I’m assuming Cole thinks its ok for Jay because he does it creatively.  While, for instance, all most “rich niggaz” are talking about Bugattis and Jesus pieces, Jay talks about a Basquiat and Picasso (it’s worth a Google).  That’s probably just my opinion though and secretly J. Cole hates Jay-Z and plans on assassinating him, kidnapping baby Blue, and making Beyoncé his personal servant.  Who knows?  Great content here though, especially if you get tired of the radio and the mainstream.

     10.   Where’s Jermaine (Skit)

I know where Jermaine better not be: Making another skit.  Boooooooo.  My skip button isn’t working fast enough.

     11.   Forbidden Fruit

“KDot!  Get in the car!”  This definitely sounds 100% like a Kendrick Lamar beat (it’s actually from an old song called Mystic Brew and A Tribe Called Quest sampled it first).  You know what though?  Cole World didn’t let Kendrick spit!  Wow.  He teases us by saying “featuring Kendrick Lamar” and only gives us a hook.  A hook that anybody could have done (though Kendrick's alien voice makes it kinda dope).  Anyways, Jermaine never catches the vibe of the beat.  It's really cool and mellow and he verbally A-Town Stomps on it.  Kendrick saves the song and doesn't even have a verse.  Tough World.

     12.   Chaining Day

First off, “boooooooo” to the song title.  I can’t fully relate to this song like most of Cole’s songs, but I like that he made a Jesus Piece song with a new concept.  It’s kind of like he doesn’t even want the piece, but he can’t help it because it looks so nice.  I can relate with clothes and shoes I suppose, but I have yet to own a chain, and probably never will.  If I’m buying a chain then I probably wouldn’t make a song that says I hate “rich niggaz”.  Just saying.  The creativity an d new outlook on a concept that is played out was refreshing though and for that Mr. Cole... **salute**

     13.   Ain’t That Some S**t (Interlude)

Time to get ignorant!!  I honestly don’t care what he says on this.  He flows nice and sounds like he knows what he’s talking about.  The beat is like Megatron krumping at the peak of a mountain that creates an avalanche below and makes the music the snowboarders affected will ride to on the next Red Bull commercial.  Dope.

     14.   Crooked Smile

Interesting song selection after the ignorance that just occurred, but I really like this song.  To me, music is all about vibes, melodies, and content.  This has all of that.  I never really noticed that Cole had a crooked smile, but DANNNNNNG homie.  He’s giving Fabolous a run for his money for “Most Messed Up Grill Even Though He’s Got Money To Fix It” Award.  Mouth looking like a unexplored cave.  Teeth like a speleothem (give it a Google).  Anyways, I really do like this, all jokes aside.

     15.   Let Nas Down

I’m conflicted about this song.  On one hand, I’m like “Yo, that’s a cool story Cole.  I’ve never really let down an idol like that before, so I appreciate your insight.”  But on the other hand I’m like “You let Nas down?  So! You ain’t even know him like that.  You got on a track and cried about letting down Nas? Smh.”  Also, the fact that Nas made a track called ‘Made Nas Proud’ was kind of lame, and I really like Nas.  Anyways, I’m still not sure how I feel about this bromance between these two grown men, but the song is cool (I think).  And I guess for originality he can get a pass.

     16.   Born Sinner

A safe, title track to sum up the album.  The guy on the chorus, Fauntleroy, did a good job with his part.  I don’t have much to say about this song, but I like it.

Well alright, there you go!  That’s what I think about Born Sinner.  For the most part, Cole did a much better job on this album of leaving out weak bars in his verses that scream “Boooooo!” and left those for only a couple hooks.  The main issue that I have with this album, and why it is 6^th out of the 6 I’m reviewing is that I just don’t like the music most of the time.  His production doesn’t suck, but I don’t feel it like the others.  It’s like a stale chip when you’re really hungry.  You need food, so you’re going to eat it and it works for now, but you know there’s steaks and mac-n-cheese out there to be eating too.  I hope that he works more closely with some bigger producers in the future, but as long as he keeps giving us real life situations to relate to and doesn’t fall into the temptaion of “Molly Rap” he’ll continue to do fine.  Anyways, I’ll be back tomorrow with another one of these.  I won’t tell you who yet, so follow us on Twitter @WeAreBOM or check back here tomorrow to find out.  Also you can follow us on Instagram @WeAreBOM.  I’ll holla at y’all later.  Deuces Brodies.

Summer Reviews!!!

Ayeeeeee! This is Keenan, back like I was on vacation, and ready to talk with y’all a little bit.  I know that the post haven’t been so frequent as of late, but we’re about to change that for the next week.  As many of y’all know, these past few weeks have been HUGE for music as it pertains to new hip hop releases.  To my count, there are 6 projects that I have in my car that I have listened to numerous times in order to determine which I like most.  And since blogs were created with the intent for everyone to be able to share their point of view in an instant, I will share mine on these albums. **cheers from the balcony** Thank you. Thank you.  You are far too kind.  The albums that will be blogged about are… (In no particular order) **drumroll**

J. Cole – Born Sinner 

Jay- Z – Magna Carta… Holy Grail

Joey Bada$$ - Summer Knights

Kanye West – Yeezus

Wale – The Gifted

Mac Miller – Watching Movies With the Sound Off

FAQs (okay, I've never been asked any of these, but I felt that we needed a moment of clarity)

"Keenan, who has the best album title?"

- Well, loyal fan (I'm taking this too far) I can definitely say that Born Sinner, The Gifted, and Summer Knights is left out of this conversation.  They don't suck or anything, but they didn't change any lives or push any boundaries.  Between Yeezus, MCHG, and WMWTSO it is difficult to say.  Yeezus is absolutely the boldest and Kanye instantly eliminated those of the Christian faith almost immediately with that title.  MCHG sounds the most loaded. I think Jay-Z has about 3,425,754 meanings hidden in there.  WMWTSO is probably the most entertaining.  I mean, if these were book titles, I would absolutely read that book before all of the others.  I guess I would have to go with one of those three, depending on what I wanted that day for my life.

"Mr. BOM, who has the best alum artwork?"

- Well, thank you for that new nickname, loyal reader (if you can't tell by now, I'm probably gonna keep this up).  Yeezus is eliminated because it lacks any artwork because of how "revolutionary" Kanye is (Personally, I just don't think he came up with anything to match the brashness of the album and title.  I mean to keep up, he would have had to impose himself as Jesus on the cross with beautiful women of all ethnicities surrounding him while he flips a bird to the media.  Yeah, that probably wouldn't have been wise for sales.).  J. Cole's is pretty cool.  I like his little character.  Summer Knights probably has some significance that I don't understand **Kanye shrug**.  The Gifted is ok.  So that leaves Jay and Mac.  I am a sucker for Renaissance art, so MCHG is probably my favorite and matches the title well.  But the randomness and hilarity of Mac Miller's cover is classic.  I don't get it, but am I really supposed to?

"Excuse me sir, in what order would you put these artist ranging from least favorite to favorite?"

- I appreciate your politeness sir/ma'am.  Before these albums came out, I would have said:

6/5. Wale n Joey Bada$$ (interchangeable)

4. Mac Miller

3. J. Cole

2. Jay-Z

1. Kanye West

After numerous listens, I would now say:

6. Wale

5/4. J. Cole n Joey Bada$$ (interchangeable)

3. Mac Miller

1/2. Kanye n Jay-Z (interchangeable)

There probably aren't many people that agree, especially after looking at Cole World's album sales and the fact that most of you are like, "Who tf is this Joey Bada$$ dude?".  So this is strictly my taste in music and what I think.

"Aye cuz, are these gon' be like biased n tish?  I ain't tryna read all 'at and it be mad biased."

- I mean, I'm human so yeah they probably will be in a way.  BUT!  I swear on the 4th season of The Walking Dead (yeah, that's how you know it's real) that I'll try my best not to be.  I don't like reading biased reviews, so I wouldn't want to do that to someone else.  

"Sooooooo, do you like have like a format for these 'reviews' or like is it like a freestyle?"

-In the wise words of Soulja Boy Ph.D., "I don't freestyle cuz my style ain't free!"  Even though this blog is free (oops).Anyways. Personally I prefer track by track reviews with an intro and summary because they are the most in depth and easy to follow while you listen.  If you haven’t ever read one of my reviews before, I make them as simplistic as I can because I know that from personal experience, I CAN’T STAND CRITICS that use phrases like “jiggly synth squelches” and “lyrical nadir”.  And if you haven’t ever read a review, copy and paste those words into Google so you know it’s real.  So yeah, I go for the fluid reading instead of trying to outsmart you to feel superior in musical knowledge. The only remaining question is: What order will these reviews occur?  The plan is to start from 6 and go to one from least to most liked.  So which album comes in at number 6…?  You’ll have to visit us here tomorrow and find out.  We’ll drop some hints on our Twitter@WeAreBOM, so go follow us ASAP, no Ferg.  Anyways, I’ll see you back here tomorrow!  Deuces Brodie.

The Illuminati Public Service Annoucement

Don't believe me just watch!!!!

A Weirdo

Yo! This is Keenan and I’m back in this thing like a repeat offender (strike three, ya feel me).  It’s been a minute, but who cares as long as we keep talking, right?  Let’s get into this:

                As people, we are all unique with different interests; on the inside that is.  Outwardly, many of times, there is an image projected from us of what we are “supposed to be."  We attempt to act as society would accept.  Being “normal” is usually expected.  What is the true definition of normal? Boring Dictionary.com defines it as: conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural.  Ugh.  Imagine living every aspect of your life by this definition of “normal.”  If that thought doesn’t bother you, then you probably don’t like the concept ofBossOfMe.  For most of us though, the thought of a “normal” life is scary.  Normal, excludes adventure and passion.  Normal excludes dancing for no reason and cartoons for adults (I’m guilty of both of these; there is always music in my head and I love SpongeBob (pause)).  There has to be something better than normal, right?  Or do we all need to be like Bob from the Enzyte commercials?

                One of the antonyms (that means opposite, for my non-english people) of normal is weird.  What is the definition of weird? Dope Dictionary.com defines it as: involving or suggesting the supernatural; unearthly or uncanny; fantastic; bizarre.  Ahhhh.  Now that’s what I’m talking about.  A word that is usually spoken in a negative context with a demeaning connotation is actually encouraging, strange enough.  I guess this is just my own personal opinion, but I would much rather be seen as bizarre and fantastic than to conform to the standard (that definition sounds like some Hunger Games society stuff; I’m no Katniss though).  A lot of the time being “weird” is the same thing as being different.  For instance, I like music.  I prefer certain genres over another, but at the end of the day if I think a country song is dope, I’m going to say so.  The same goes for techno, dubstep, rap, classical, etc.  I get called “weird” a lot for liking different stuff that many of my friends think is strange.  Same goes for my small postercollection.  It is absolutely a bizarre grouping of completely different types of people, but they all had a profound impact on our world (if you don’t believe me then Google them).  What I am saying is that if you really believe in something or really like something, it’s ok.  Don’t be the norm, exceed the norm.  Be weird.  Normal sucks.  Let’s get weird.

“Being called weird is like being called limited edition, meaning you’re something people don’t see that often.  Remember that.”  

Anyways, go follow us on Twitter, Instagram, & Pinterest @WeAreBOM.  Make sure to check out the blogs daily as well and comment to let us know what you want us to write about.  Go to wearebom.launchrock.com to join the growing list of people that want to be a part of our movement, and so that you can get this exclusive one time deal we'll be offering for the first few buyers (buy one tee get one tank 50%)!!!  We'll be back soon, aight?!  Deuces Brodies!

Shaq Face To These Haters!

Howdy!  Whattup doe?!  It’s me, Keenan again, and I’m back like a fiend to the crack house to give y’all this work.  Though we got no direct feedback from the people themselves, we had the most views that we’ve had in a single day since I started blogging back in January.  So we give kudos to us and kudos to everyone who checked this out yesterday.  We can only spread the brand so far by ourselves, so every time that you visit our blog or every time that you follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or tell your compadres about us, you’re making this dream come true.  Now if we could get y’all to comment on these posts or tweet @WeAreBOM about them, then we’d really be getting somewhere.  We’ll save that talk for another day though.  For now, we are going to talk about the ultimate stale face or what we call for short:  The Shaq Face.

 You know when someone says something really dumb or out of character for them and you give them a face?  Your mouth shifts to one side and your lips slightly protrude from their natural position.  Well, this is a stale face (if you didn’t already know).  I used to read a blog on allhiphop.com and every time someone did or said something outrageous, the writer would give the person a Shaq Face.  What is a Shaq Face?

Ahh yes, Mr. O’Neal in his finest form.  At this point you’re probably wondering what this has to do with achieving dreams or the concept behind BOM.  Well, if we are to pursue our passions and dreams and we expect for no one to belittle us for craving a different type of success than the rest of the world is used to, then are dreaming too much (it is possible).  Understand that people are going to hate on us because we aren’t going down the path that the majority of people went down before us.  Some people aren’t even going to necessarily “hate.”  Some will just be negative because they expected something different from us.  If we begin our pursuit without understanding that the most difficult objective in attaining our life’s desires are going to be people that we are close to (i.e. Family, friends, coworkers), then when we are first told that we won’t be able to do it, our desires will be somewhat suppressed.  Be ready to be told you can’t do it.  It will happen repeatedly.  When you hear it, give them a Shaq Face.  Next time someone says that you’re wasting time in a pursuit for something you care about: Shaq Face!  Because we can and will do what we please in order to achieve what we want. 

Anyways, the Shaq Face to me just means, if I may quote the poet known as Trinidad James, “Don’t believe me, just watch.”  So no one needs to believe us and what we envision in our futures, they only need to watch what we’re about to do.  Shaq Face to haters, disbelievers, cowards, and all the rest!  If you’re reading this, here is what I want you to do:  If you believe and like the concept of the Shaq Face then take a picture of the Shaq Face that you’re going to give, upload it to Twitter or Instagram and tag @WeAreBOM.  If you want us to, we’ll even post it on our profile as well.  Chyeah!  Well, go follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Vine (Can someone please find me a link?!?!?!) @WeAreBOM.  Make sure to check out the blogs daily as well and comment to let us know what you want us to write about.  Site to pre-order shirts and tanks is coming!!  Do the following stuff so you can know about it, so that you can get this exclusive one time deal we'll be offering for the first few buyers!!!  We'll be back tomorrow, aight?!  Deuces Brodies!

Getting Closer

              Good morning world!  This is Keenan again and I'm back like spasms, so we can have a little talk.  I'm in no mood for introduction, so that I don't take away from what I have to say. Let's get into this...

              I’m writing this at midnight June 12, 2013 while reflecting back on the last few weeks of my life and what I’ve been doing.  Recently, I have begun working my first job as a server at Puleo’s in Murfreeseboro (come holla at me if you’re about that big tipper life), I designed a logo for the lifestyle/brand that I’ve been working on with a friend, I’m working hard every day to get the name BossOfMe into the world, I’ve transferred schools and will be at Middle Tennessee State University in the fall, I’m back to reading everyday like I used to when I was younger, and I just started learning how to play my first instrument (call me Keyboard Shawty).  I don’t mean this as a braggadocio, condescending spiel on how much better I am than everyone else because I am far from that.  There are absolutely people who are and have been working harder than me for a much longer period of time.  What I am attempting to convey in telling you my recent ventures, creatively and intellectually, is that I have finally begun maturing enough to be able to accomplish some goals that I have wanted to pursue for some time.  I have just recently begun to realize how much work I can get done in a single day just by concentrating on attaining what I desire.  How have I managed to stay on track these past few weeks? I ask myself one question every night before I go to sleep: What did I do today to get closer to achieving my dreams? 

                If you have been following @WeAreBOM on Instagram (which I strongly suggest you do) then you will have seen us post this picture

I got this from my father about 2-3 years ago.  He would say that every day, you either get better or get worse, and he would use it to motivate me to go practice some basketball (I’m retired now).  I wasn’t mature enough at the time to really understand it, but a day or two at a time it would usually work because if given those two options, the choice is pretty obvious, right?  This same “getting better/worse” works the same as the “getting closer/further” except that closer/further relates better for people like us; dreamchasers.  If you have a dream or a goal that you want to achieve, then ask yourself what you’ve done lately to reach that.  Could you be doing more?  If we have a dream, but aren’t pursuing any avenues to get there then why have the dream?  If we aren’t going to make the dream a reality then we might as well stay asleep (something I began becoming a little too comfortable with).  Is the transition from being dormant to active pursuit difficult?  Absolutely!  If it was easy then BOM wouldn’t exist because being what you wanted to be and doing what you wanted to do would be the norm.  Unfortunately, as anyone who has ever had an abstract ambition knows, that isn’t the case.  We have to go through more than anyone to reach our goals, and to discover our inner drive to achieve personal greatness.  It isn’t all done in one day or one week though.  It will take months and years to achieve, but the days and weeks of hard work will propel us into the success of those future years.  Just do yourself a favor at the start of the day and ask yourself: What will I do to get closer to achieving my dreams today?

                I’m not about just having BOM make it.  I want everyone with dreams and desires to do what they believe they were meant to do.  Taking days off or “chilling” isn’t going to get us there.  The everyday grind of strengthening an aspect of the goals that we want will get us to the pinnacle of success that we’re all craving.  Get closer today.  Get closer tomorrow.  Get closer this week.  Eventually a year is going to go by and 2014 is going to ask us what we did in 2013.  Will you be able to say you’re closer than ever?

Let us know what you think in the comments or on Twitter.  I don't know if these suck or not because no one tells us anything, but uhhhh... Yeah.  We'll be back tomorrow with some more Chicken Soup for the Soul.  ANYWAYS!!!! Go follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Vine (Can someone please find me a link?!?!?!) @WeAreBOM.  Make sure to check out the blogs daily as well and comment to let us know what you want us to write about.  Site to pre-order shirts and tanks is coming!!  Do the following stuff so you can know about it, so that you can get this exclusive one time deal we'll be offering!!! Deuces Brodies!

Top 5 Rappers... IMHO

           Yo!! This is Keenan and I'm back in this thing like I'm trying to parallel park and ready for some Music Monday.  As a hip-hop head, I feel like my taste in rap music is pretty nice.  Like Top 5 Dead or Alive nice. Like Lil' Wayne on Upgrade U nice (last Lil' Wayne reference for this post).  Like your friend's mom who will always buy your food whenever you go out nice.  Yeah, so I'm just going to give you my personal opinion on my favorites.  Disclaimer: I apologize for you not liking my list beforehand.  It sucks, I suck, I know.  Forewarning: there will be no mention of Lil Wayne, Tupac, Biggie, Cash Money, SODMG, or Brick Squad.  Let the hate begin.

5. Will Smith Tech N9ne – Yeah, I know my dude is a little strange and all, but he was one of the first rappers that I had heard of before too many people had (S/o to Madden 2006).  I can definitely understand why a lot of people don’t like his music.  His beats aren’t always the best, but his talent for words and putting them together along with mixing different flows and rhyme schemes is incredible.  He usually doesn’t sound like he’s making sense on the first listen because of his style, but read along with the lyrics and there is always a theme to what he says.  Oh yeah, he can rap really fast too.  Doing it one time for the Juggalos I guess… Favorites: This Ring, The Waitress, Worldwide Choppers, Table & Chest Stress

4. Plies OJ Da Juiceman  KDot & Lupe Fiasco – I guess this grouping technically makes my Top 5 a Top 6, but because I couldn’t make any cuts I guess you’ll have to deal with it.  These guys are very similar in that lyrics and positivity come first for them.  Both are phenomenal story tellers as well (see “The Art of Peer Pressure” and “Hip-Hop Saved My Life”).  Since Lupe is older and has been in the industry longer and is more established, he has begun focusing more on political issues and different genres to dabble in.  Don’t get it twisted though, because The Great American Rap Album: Part I was dope and even more recently he was featured on “Poor Decisions” with Wale and Ricky Rozay.  He stole the show.  As for young KDot, he is new in the game and still has to grow his catalog, which I feel he will do.  In my opinion, he has all the tools to become one of the best ever, but only time will tell if that prophecy will come to fruition.   Fave Lupe: He Say She Say, Kick Push, Superstar, The Show Goes On, Hurt Me Soul; Fave KDot: Don't Kill My Vibe, Cut You Off, Rigamortus, Blow My High

3. Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch Eminem – Slim!  The original dope white rapper.  As far as strictly rapping goes, Eminem might be the best period.  He has everything: flow, delivery, passion, rhymes, word play, humor, etc.  I read something the other day that said he couldn’t be the best ever because his rap beefs were against lames, yada yada yada.  Do you know why only lames approached him?  Because everyone else was scared and knew better.  And that’s real.  Faves from Marshall: Till I Collapse, Despicable, Renegade

2. Birdman Jay-Z – “They call me HOV! H to the O-V!”  Leaving out Jay-Z would be a travesty.  The only thing that is more impressive, in my own humble opinion, than Jay’s lyrics, flow, beats, numerous classic albums, lady (good Lord!), and cash flow has to be his longevity.  He’s like 96 43, but is still the single most relevant artist in the hip-hop industry.  Now, just because I find that the most impressive aspect of his career doesn’t mean I don’t thoroughly enjoy his music.  His classic lines are endless, his classic songs are numerous, and he has 12 classic albums.  That’s what I call winning.  And Jay, if you ever see this, I’m letting you know now that you better tell the Illuminati not to let me get famous or get money.  If I get either, then I’m coming for B.  And that’s real!  Here’s some of my favorite stuff by my #2 (pause): 99 Problems, Who Gon Stop Me Now, Song Cry, Monster

1. Mystikal Tony Yayo  Kanye West – Yeezy taught me!  He is his own producer, has clothes in Paris fashion shows (that’s the location where y’all get your fashion from), collabs with Nike for shoes that are online right now selling for $2,195, is dating my favorite girl in the world, and is one of the realest people with no fear of showing it (S/o to Taylor Swift).  His rants are nearly as classic as his music, but Kanye’s fearlessness behind a mic is unparalleled.  Don’t forget that Yeezus comes out in like a week too, so get that illegal download as soon as you can!  What Yeezy taught me: Devil In A New Dress (favorite song ever), Get Em High, New God Flow, Monster, Diamonds, Hey Mama

Honorable Mention:

Outkast – How can you not like them?

The Whole Wu Tang Clan - C.R.E.A.M. Everyone's flow is just so raw.

Game – Jesus Piece moved him up.

Nas – Still has it, just doesn’t do it commercially.

Rick Ross – Rick Ross on his elegant “I got 12 Maybachs lined up back to back/send a text to Meek asking where them white girls at” or “Open up some Rose just to pour it out/I got 37 bricks on my foreign couch” with a J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League beat is a problem.

Fabolous - After I heard The Soul Tape 1 & The Soul Tape 2, I was sold.

Drake & J. Cole – Just two guys that have flow, make good music, are real, but just happen to be kinda corny sometimes.  Drizzy. Cole World.

Newcomers With Serious Poential:

Chance the Rapper - Soulful, fun, goofy.  Not everyone will like him, but he’s different.  Gotta love that.

Joey Bada$$ - A throwback to the Golden Era of hip-hop, but he’s only 19.  Tell me again that my generation can’t rap.

Mac Miller – I still bump his KIDS mixtape.  His growth over the past couple years is ridiculous though.  New album just came out illegally too.

Tyler, The Creator – You either hate him or love him.  I love him. Pause.  He is next in line to take Kanye’s spot as the loose cannon that can do it all.

Well that's the list.  I hope it isn't too blasphemous and that someone likes it.  Show us your list by commenting on this post, or tweeting @WeAreBOM.  We'll be back tomorrow with something (Idk what yet).  Anyways! Go follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Vine (Can someone please find me a link?!?!?!) @WeAreBOM.  Make sure to check out the blogs daily as well and comment to let us know what you want us to write about.  T-Shirts on the way soon too!!! Deuces Brodies!

It All Starts Somewhere...

                Hello World and welcome to the first post on the new BossOfMe blog!  I’m back like I never left.  Don’t call it a comeback though because, to be honest, I really didn’t ever leave.  I’ve just been in the lab working like Dexter trying to concoct the perfect formula to deliver to the people (that would be you).  Unfortunately, DeeDee has been in the laboratory distracting me, so it took a little longer than anticipated for me to deliver the recent breakthroughs and creations of newfound knowledge in the field of life.  That being said, I believe this is the third time that I’ve made a post like this; one that introduces the new idea behind the blog, brand, etc.  Though, I feel that this time is different.  Why?  Well, for one, as we all know, the third time is the charm (duh).  But two, and more importantly, the fact that you are reading this right now means that the grind for BOM has officially begun; the grind of becoming something special. 

                When I decided on the name BossOfMe, please understand that it was not meant to be a call to rebellion.  BOM is a realization of self in understanding what we truly desire out of our lives, while achieving a peace of mind in knowing that complete self-fulfillment is imminent because of the pursuit of a particular passion.  If you desire rebellion, then go ahead and be about that life, but understand that that is not the main mission for us.  Have you ever really wanted something or to be something, but were told that you couldn’t because (insert reason here)?  Or maybe you were told that you should study (insert major here) because it will get you a high paying job one day.  In life, I have found that people want us to fit into a mold; one of this “American Dream” that says we need a wife, a son and daughter, family dog, a house in the suburbs with a white picket fence, and some great neighbors named Tom and Lisa who have been happily married for 18 years and still act like newlyweds.  Not many people are truly meant for that lifestyle.  Some people are, and I don’t knock that at all.  As long as that is what you really want, more power to you.  There are many of us though who aren’t made for that life, but we have never had anyone say that it is okay to live a different one.  How are we supposed to know that it is okay to be different?  We could all just listen to a little 2 Chainz or try on a Russell Westbrook outfit.  But I thought I could try and do something to open the minds off the confused people who are feeling that they are supposed to do one thing, when they aspire to be something that means much more to them.  Pursuing passions is the only way to achieve happiness.  Do you know why people say that money won’t buy you happiness?  Because there are so many people who only chase the money and forget about the delights of doing what they love.  If there isn’t a certain level of infatuation that we have in our work, then why do it?  Do what you love, regardless of what others may think about it.  BOM is here to support those who do or are trying to chase their true dreams and declare that they are the boss of themselves and their destiny.

I have only recently discovered and began to implement my own power in the past 8 months, so this message is not coming from a condescending pulpit.  It is coming from even ground and looking you in the eye asking you to think about yourself.  The reason being that I am on the same journey as you in discovering myself and what I want to do with my life.  Something that I have realized in that time it is that no one can really make me do anything that I don’t want to.  This doesn’t mean that I’ve become disrespectful to those that are in positions of authority (parents, employers, professors).  It only means that I understand that I am in control of me and the destiny that I covet.  Our ambitions will control our futures, and ambition derives from doing what we desire.  At the end of the day, you are the boss of you and I am the boss of me.   Listen to other’s input or suggestions, but be able to trust in whatever it is that you believe in. Be confident in yourself becoming successful and going about it in your own way.  Success has no template.  We don’t have to do what another individual says or go their route in life because we are all different and have to find our own individual way.  American author Wilfred Peterson said, “Champion the right to be yourself; dare to be different and to set your own pattern, live your own life, and follow your own star.” (S/o to Google for the quote)

                So, in order to spread our message of self-empowerment, BOM has created an account on every single social network site.  Yes, we are on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Vine (I need a link for this!!!).  All of those are under one name: @WeAreBOM.  We also have a Tumblr and will be blogging here too.  We will eventually get to Youtube, but we’re broke nahmean! So after we save up some money, we’ll get a camera and begin making some humorous/life-changing videos.  Until then, here is our plan for each social network:

Twitter & Instagram – Quotes of inspiration to help you stay on track, as well as a little humor that is also known as real life.

Pinterest – Showing y’all the things that we like at BOM and sharing any new designs of logos or tees

Vine (I need a link!!!!) – Just us doing some fun stuff.  Would you like a little realness and seeing how we live?

Blogspot & Tumblr  – My favorite form of expression has always been writing, so here is where you will get the most out of our beliefs, what we enjoy, and what we think is funny.  We will try and get up a few posts a week, and we will feature guest writers as much as possible as well.  (I’d do all the post, but I’ve already failed at that twice.  It’s time for a new approach.)

Please understand that this is for y’all. We want your input as much as possible.  If you want more material, let us know.   If you want less material, let us know.  We are here to express ourselves in order for you to have an opportunity to express yourself.  “Empowering the perceived powerless.”  I guess I’m just tired of people perceiving themselves as powerless because of what employers, friends, family, or society tells us.  We have the power to do, think, and believe in whatever we want.  Therefore, you and I are the bosses of ourselves.  Only you can decide what it is that makes you happy, and what makes you determined to achieve your dreams.  We all like what we like, so do what you do. 

I hope that we at BOM are able to help change someone’s perspective out there somewhere.  Like I have written in this post, BossOfMe is more than a brand; it is a compilation of ideas and views related to real subjects that affect our daily lives. We want to share this with the world.  Mutes Mundum.  We all have a chance to be ourselves and I hate that we allow other’s opinions to impede our progress of realizing our full potential of being successful human beings.  Anyways! Go follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Vine (Can someone please find me a link?!?!?!) @WeAreBOM.  Make sure to check out the blogs daily as well and comment to let us know what you want us to write about.  And, finally, be on the lookout for shirts coming soon that have this stupiddumb insanely dope logo!

  We’ll be back tomorrow with a little Music Monday.  Until then, deuces brodie!

6/9/13... Check Us Out Tomorrow Right Here!

Get Used To Getting Used

"Get used to getting used."

There are a lot of aspects of daily life that we have become accustomed to that we don’t find particularly pleasing, but because they happen so regularly, we get used to them.  For example, we get used to rush hour traffic every day of the week.  We’ve gotten used to hearing crappy techno-party-synthesizer music on the radio.  Southerners have even been forced to get used to having a mixed (that’s probably as close as we’ll ever get to black) president.  I think?  Anyways, my point is that, at first, none of these events were particularly pleasing, but as time went on and the more that we were around them, they became acceptable.  Kanye saying that he had become used to being used was just his own way of flipping something that is generally viewed as negative into something positive.  “Use” in this context isn’t negative because we use and get used every day.  When you go to Mcdonalds’ (again, this is a terrible idea) you use the cashier and other employees there to get food in your belly.  The employees use you and your order to make money.  There is an order to using and being used, so get used to the process and understand how it can be beneficial.  If someone uses you for something and you give them a product only worthy of the bottom of a dumpster (recycling bin for my environmentalists), then why should they come use you again?  Understand that every time that you are using or being used that it is an opportunity to prove yourself and provide a new avenue to pursue whatever it is that you decide makes you a success.  So when your boss has you doing what you consider a purposeless task, think of it as a grand opportunity to prove your worth to him.  It puts you in a position to be promoted when you do what is asked of you to the best of your ability; therefore, you are using him for that chance just as he is using you to get his work done.  Kanye also calls this the “Thank you and you’re welcome” effect, which I will expound upon more in depth in the coming days.   Though I believe in “getting used” and the thinking that goes along with it, it isn’t to say that we should allow ourselves to be taken advantage of, but to, instead, help us understand that in order to get to where we want in life, we will be used by someone.  That is it for the first round, but I’ll be back later today to speak on the next part of the quote.  "To use someone is necessary. What's negative is to misuse, overuse or abuse somebody.”  

Comment on these to let me know what you think.  Go follow us on Twitter HERE and like us on Facebook HERE.  Deuces, for now, Brodies!  

Yeezy Taught Me

Yo, first thing is first: my bad with the posts.  I forgot how hard it was to do this thing in the middle of a basketball season.  I’m not making excuses though, it just means that I’ll have to make more time for it.  Ok, enough with the sentimental apologies and tish.  It’s really not my thing.  Anyways… Well, I’m back like a new season of Jersey Shore (thank God they’re done with that nonsense… or are they?) Since I left you hanging the last couple days, I want to still give you something to think about, especially since I hear the best things about my posts whenever I talk about some real ideas.  Today I would like to expound on some quotes by my favorite musician of all-time…OF ALL-TIME, Kanye West that he has in his book “Thank You & You’re Welcome”.  I remember hearing him say it in an interview a couple years back, and though the connotation of it may sound a bit callous at first, the message associated with it sheds light on the reality of the world.  Besides, who wouldn’t want hear about a little Yeezy philosophy?  Either you can hate it forever, or you can love it.  So what I’m going to do is post three different posts throughout the day that include a piece of the quote that I have, and then elaborate on the points deeper than face value to get to the true meaning of them and to give you an example or two.  Hopefully this will give you something productive for your mind to ponder on topic, so that you can start using your brain in a truly productive manner instead of stalking on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram (whichever is your preferred method of social media), playing that 34^th straight game of Ruzzle against that guy who keeps requesting a rematch because he can’t beat you, or taking yet another shot of the forever attractive duck-face picture to send some dude on SnapChat.  Here is a video of Yeezy talking about his book and using the quote that I want to discuss for the day... 

(FAST FORWARD TO 3:04)

     I'll be back soon brodies!

Promo!

      Hello world!  I'm back like season 3 of the Walking Dead.  You think it's all over then...BOOM!  All of a sudden I'm back on.  It's like Jordan from retirement; one day I'm chilling on the couch trying figure out my next move then...BAM! I'm back getting buckets in the blogosphere.  It's like Manti Te'o's chick; one day you think I'm dead then...RING RING!  You get a phone call that says I really haven't gone anywhere.  Anyways, I know I've been missing a lot lately, but I feel as though I have a viable reason.  Notice I said reason, not excuse.  We've just had a lot of games lately, school just started back up, and I've been sick.  I guess that makes reasons.  Plural.  But yeah, this post isn't going to be very long because I don't really have time for that today.  I've been working on something a little bigger when I have had any spare time, and I'll be posting that up tomorrow and the next couple days after.
     I recently purchased Kanye West's book, Thank You & You're Welcome.  He is by far my favorite musical artist, and I heard a few years ago that he had written a small book of what he called "Kanyeisms", or his own personal proverbs.  The book is a spiral-bound 50-something page long book that only has a few words on every page, but they speak a lot to how he lives and his thought process behind a lot of the things he does.  So instead of giving you some random wisdom, I wanted to share with you some of the things that he said that registered in my mind the most, then comment on them with how I interpreted his meanings.  There's still wisdom to be gained, but it isn't solely mine that I'll be distributing.  I hope you guys enjoy it.
      Ok. Well that's all for now.  I'll send you off with a funny video to entertain you guys.  I saw it a couple years ago, and thought it was hilarious.  Give it a chance.  You can comment and suggest to me some ideas on the bottom of the page if you’re on your computer or touch the arrow next to the follow button if you’re on your phone.  Go follow us on Twitter HERE, ‘Like’ us on Facebook HERE, check THIS out, and the YouTube account is still coming soon.  I haven’t done the YouTube thing yet because I don’t know what people want to see or hear yet, so hit up the comment or question section to give me some ideas.  I'll be back tomorrow yo.  Deuces Brodies!!