The Appreciation

How do you deal with the pressure?
I'm here to reassure you that you're beautiful
The pressure of looking beautiful at all times can't be easy
Hair done, nails done, makeup, fake eye lashes
It's not needed,
Love yourself, first
Although its nice to hear, you don't need us to tell you something you should already know
You're a star;
Especially when you smile...when your eyes light up
Society may want you to be perfect in an imperfect world
Just know, your flaws make you unique
We pursue  our dreams for you.
As you bring the best out of us.
To have you by our sides, understand that you're appreciated
The amount of time and effort you put in to add more to your natural beauty;
It is all appreciated...

The Thirst

A world filled with variety
Different shapes, skin tones...tastes
It's hard to choose one, in this ratchet era

In the day, she can be seen in a sun dress/booty shorts
At night;
Enjoying the night life, bright lights -on a table

On her own,
she can be seen in a twerking vine video
A snap-chat would have you reaching for a glass of...

Sexy ladies and alcohol. The thirst.

Provoke

Over the past few years I have realised that society has started to take opinions as facts. Without provoking each other or provoking thought so that individuals can get to a well-informed conclusion. 

We have become ignorant.

We have begun to take things at face value without seeking further information.

But, once an individual is confronted they tend to stop that thought process and claim it’s an ‘opinion’ and as an ‘opinion’ it can be said without merit.

Provoking thought is what we as humans should be doing. To help each other understand and grow.

The worst thing I have noticed is how people in the media/lime light send a message of ‘not to follow others’ but by doing so want you to follow them. For example an artist may say that but in return they need you to follow them, buy a ticket to their show, wear their clothes (t-shirt, jumper etc) but whilst you do that they re-send the same message of not following and for you to be yourself.

Kanye West has been calling himself a ‘genius’ ‘artist’ enough times to make people believe it. Although he may not have proved such but yet individuals go with it because he has said it enough times.

Standards have reduced. We have to step up. In more than one way.

How Important is a Mixtape

This is a piece I wrote over at SME which can be viewed in its entirety on this link http://wearesme.co.uk/2013/02/28/sme-thoughts-how-important-is-a-mixtape/

The importance of a mixtape.

Mixtapes and free music have always been used as marketing scheme for relatively new artists trying to make a name for themselves. In the last decade, there has been an increased emphasis on the importance of a mixtape and more importantly, FREE music.

Once G-Unit changed the way mixtapes had been created musicians haven’t looked back. G-Unit, came with a new view on mixtapes and released new music.

The continuous decline of record sales has played a massive part in this change. Traditionally, a mixtape was used to establish an artist, create a hype and fan base, and also as a pedestal to practice and perfect the craft. However, present day artists release mixtapes to ‘satisfy’ their fans either between albums or during touring.

These days’ mixtape songs are turning into hits and lead album singles. A good illustration for this is the ‘Adorn’ track by Miguel, which went from being a free mixtape song to being one of the biggest r’n’b songs of the year.

In essence, knowing the type of artist you want to be makes all the difference between a mixtape and album artist. For example, Eurogang/S.A.S, a group that I grew up listening to through my teens; are still releasing mixtapes to date, This group hasn’t reached commercial success because that type of success may not be their aim, as they may lose themselves with a major label behind them.

From mixtapes to EP’s to mixtape/street albums. A mixtape, in some circles, is considerably more significant than an album. Having websites crash over the hype around a mixtape release is something relatively new, how do we view the importance of a mixtape, as a few new mixtapes get pushed/marketed as much as albums?

Friends, you and I

A fragile friendship to begin with
Finished before it started
Although I was still there, a decision was made whether right or wrong
You vanished, only to materialise when it suited you
I accepted that, as I accept who you are
Are you thinking about yourself;
Or her?
You're a strong woman trying to do the impossible, we both know you won't give up.
You vanished.
Having you there is better than...well, you know
But we've never had a good "thing"
Whatever that may be
I want to offer her everything
But she knows better, she's intelligent
Loyal to her friends, her eyes say so
Just don't forget you and those friends may grow apart,
So put yourself first, you can't control her happiness
Because, her,
Isn't who she used to be.
Your eyes know that.
The feeling is more than a want, a need
But, you and I were more than friends? Your eyes told me
Your lips say 'maybe'

The Return

It's been a while since I've been on here, clearly.

I've been out there, somewhere, living my life.

Got a new qualification which therefore means a new job. A few things didn't go to plan with my first option but such things happen. I just hate being down for long so I swiftly went with a new option.

I continued writing, mainly with a new team and I can be found on wearesme.co.uk/blog Fantastic team! As well as working full time etc. You know how it goes.

Life has been going stupidly well, a few hiccups along the way but it takes a lot more to wipe this smile off my face. Been working harder than ever and continue to do so.

A few different things are going to follow. Have a number of plans I'm working on which will work out. (I hope)

I also really need to change my bio, my career path changed.

Mr. Mak

Women...listen

Over time I have noticed how women believe us men have an easier time getting over relationships once they have ended. In fact by now we should all know this is not the case. As men, from the moment we are brought into this world we are told/taught to be tough. Always questioned when we haven’t shed a tear and due to this our feelings are not always shown in the correct light from the females view.

So as I have been in a number of relationships some more meaningful than others and some have not ended in the ideal way. I get asked why I don’t seem affected by it but there are a number of things females need to know about how we deal with certain situations:

1. 1.       Showing emotion – is something we are not taught when growing up. Apart from the love we have for our mothers, sisters etc. Emotions can be seen as a form of weakness so we stay away from them as if they are going to hurt us. For us to show the emotions you want from us we need to be shown the level of loyalty and support we need from you.

1. 2.       Role – is key due to the fact we are brought up as providers. We are here to provide and protect. That is our role. You need to know that. It’s a role I play and only getting better at. So when your other half doesn’t have the time to see you or whatever it may be. This is why. We are creating something for our future whether it will be with you or not but for it to include you then you need to understand that. And if we have a plan for you we will profess.

1. 3.       Understanding – we aren’t complicated beings. We are simple. It doesn’t take a lot to make us happy and most importantly we don’t like playing games. Half the time all we need is a ‘thank you’ and to know we are appreciated for all we do. 

Foundation

I believe this to be the most important part of any relationship. There has to be a strong foundation. Just like when building a house...you start with the foundation and continue to build from there. There is no rushing into something that you want to last, take your time and build something worthwhile and because of that you need to be patient with us. If we like you we will let you know. If we want more we will let you know. The list goes on really but either way we will let you know. But either way the foundation is built from:

·         Communication

·         Trust 
·         Loyalty/commitment

These three things together are all that’s needed. Without one of them it doesn’t work.

Outsiders

Having friends chime in on your relationship is not the best thing to do but if and when they do we expect you to defend us. No matter what is said. You are with us for a reason hence the loyalty. It’s completely understandable for you to listen to their advice but the final decision comes down to you. They don’t know what YOU want nor do they know what YOU need. As we learn from our own mistakes we gain knowledge and that lets us move forwards towards something greater.

Key

Respect yourself. If you want us to respect you then you should command it not demand it. We can tell within 5 minutes if a female has respect for herself from the way she dresses, carries herself and speaks.

Conclusion

Showing emotions is not what we are best known for but we do let you know where you stand. We all have our own roles to play and have to play them to the best of our ability. Understanding, communication and trust – are needed to build anything and everything. But in reality getting this person (male/female) is not easy as I’m sure most of us have come to realise as varying circumstances define the situation.