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!