Cole World felt
A review of J. Cole
“4 yours eyes only”
By: Michelle Reed
Even with his success, J. Cole seems to always write from the perspective of a dreamer. He gives relation and hope to those who have yet to accomplish their dreams. He understands the fallacy this country has always taught the black man; success only comes from music, sports, or the streets. J. Cole isn’t afraid to expose hardcore truths, express thoughts on religion, or relationship issues. With great lyrics and an insider perspective, “4 your eyes only” has a heavy dose of real instruments. It is a must listen for those who love hip hop and J. Cole.
*False Prophets is not on the album but surely should be! False prophets highlights J. Cole's view of his childhood idols who traded their originality for fame. A few speculations have been made that the song refers to Kanye West and/or Wale. Either way we can all learn a few things to apply and observe ourselves! Check the song out on our website*
A Singleton Reflection
By Michelle Reed
In 2017, we still evade depth. John Singleton has three movies black men and women everywhere can relate to on levels of love, loss, and trying to achieve greatness. Those movies are over 20 years old.
Canadian Film Centre
Boyz in the Hood, 1991
One of the many social perspectives of the African American male are his “inabilities.” This film depicts real life perspectives of men wanting better, those who believe there is nothing better, and how they coincide. It even explains how the government supplies their communities with the tools for deterioration.
Poetic Justice, 1993
This film depicts the struggles of loss. Black people beautifully exude creativity in all its forms that is influenced by life. With an all-star cast, this movie shows two people trying to defy stereotypes while letting their guard down to find real love.
Higher learning, 1995
What happens when you combine cultures who have never crossed paths, to one location, with common goal? There is a plethora of disregard and misunderstandings. Some are even easily influenced into racism in attempts to belong.
Singletons perspectives are real and raw. It gave such truth in the 90's that you can return to all of these movies to find something relatable even in 2017. As a creator he was the first African American and the youngest ever to be nominated for “Best Director.” There is education and art in his work.
StitchedxStuffed- Fashion Designer Daniel Jae
Inspiration for the brand would be the love of fashion as well as creating a brand that would be different from everyone else. Their look is branded from childhood memories and games with a grunge twist to it. Also to have something that his children will be able to take over when they get older, and making sure their future is secure for years to come.
“Stitched Couture” by Stitchedxstuffed- Fashion Designer Daniel Jae
Advice:
My encouragement to others is to never give up on yourself. Do you have a gift or do something real well?! Turn it into a business and make a living off of it. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot succeed in what you love doing because they continue to work a 9 - 5. Creating a business is not a overnight process, it takes hard work dedication and determination to know that you will be successful in the future.
Website: www.stitchedxstuffed.com
IG| FACEBOOK| YOUTUBE| TUMBLR : @stitchedxstuffed
TWITTER: @STITCHDXSTUFFD
Location: Online Based eCommerce store but founded in Hampton, VA
Urban Freedom Discount: URBANFM RECEIVES 25% OFF TOTAL PURCHASE
Are Black Opposite-Sex Relationships Failing? Entrepreneurs & Love
By: Melanin Reigns
A recurring statement in the black community is "black men do not see black women as human". However, is this a valid truth or misconstrued conditioning? Out of 45 DMV women polled via social media, 83% percent complained opposite-sex friendships are failing. There seems to be a lack of value for the other aspects of women in general, but black women say they are plagued by this disconnect more. My question to black men is this, do you ever see a black woman as your sister/daughter/mother first before lusting for her sexual organs? Or have we all fallen victim to society's conditioning to use people and love things? 95% of relationships would be more successful if they began as friendships.
Foundations built on friendships allows communication to flow more efficiently and enables you to learn what a person is reflecting to you. This is not a one-sided argument, black men have complained that women do not set the standard but host ample expectations.
Out of 45 DMV men polled via social media, 87% reported feeling misused for financial and beneficiary purposes when building friendships with women. Chioma Unde of Hampton University explains "Even when you approach a woman with good intentions and deal with her friend zoning you, she begins to overstep boundaries and expect you to do the things her main man should be doing for her." He ends his statement by saying "women do not have good choosing skills, this is why the man must lead, he is the chooser and she can only be chosen. Gender roles still hold importance in my eyes."
Although misogyny is the stamp most women will put on Chioma's statement, look at it from a bird's eye view, that is the reality of many of our brothers. My question to black women is, are we reflecting the very lack of value and greed that our men now place upon our bodies? If so, what are we (black women & men) doing to fix our relationships in our everyday lives?
Most of our challenges with the opposite sex spawns from childhood scars in which either the masculine or feminine vessel(mother/father) in our lives sets the tone for. Trace the root of your issues, it is a shared responsibility when things do not go as planned. Embrace the journey, experience one another freely.
Take your time with friendships, situationships, relationships etc. there's no need to make a permanent enemy out of a temporary situation. We are all healing, so be mindful of that. Peace, power, and prosperity.
Remy Ma & Papoose: Love & Entrepreneurship
America's DARKEST PARTS
By: Nicole Bettis (Quillpensoul)
First impressions are lasting impressions, agreed? I mean, we all try to make sure that we look our best when we are going out. On occasion, we [woman] even take special care to cover any blemishes or dark spots on our faces with makeup. I believe subconsciously we all know that what catches the eye first is important. Actually, it seems like, kind of a big deal. Take a moment if you will, and think back… what was your first impression of the last black woman you came across, that you didn’t already know? Maybe, (2016) you thought she had nice nails or a fly hairstyle; maybe not, but one thing that is for sure, and that's you saw her darkness.
For years, I received "compliments" about how pretty I was for a “darkskin” girl. People told me that, I looked Middle Eastern or Native American (I had Dark and Lovely on deck at the time) and the sad part is, I believed this to be true. I didn't want my roots to show. I've always thought of myself as the low woman on the totem pole anyway-- white man, white woman, black man, and then black woman. That's just what it was, more like an unwritten rule that everyone in house knows and doesn't talk about, you know?
For centuries, we [African Americans] have been made to feel like a dark, stain on America's perfect past, one that should be covered and dismissed at any cost. I know that sounds a bit extreme but, come on, almost every word “dark” word in the English language, has a negative (cynical, depressed, wicked, or just, plain ole’ bad connotation). *literally taught from infancy that black is bad; and the plot thickens, as we try to unlearn and relearn—we are literally thinking in a constant state of contradiction. Yet, we continue to persevere.
We are lawyers, doctors, artist, political officials; we find ways to make life happen anyway. I realize that society has accepted this to an extent but, we will just continue to be a reminder (through action); we must, until white people aren't happy for other people’s successes, even though they are black, and until people of color aren't happy for others just because of their blackness. Don't highlight our shortcomings and downfalls. Celebrate our successes and acknowledge our resilience.
Try to keep in mind that, despite the heartbreaking fact that society belatedly refuses to accept the irrefutable fact that, people of color—dark people, have suffered tremendously. We have not only endured 400+ years of enslavement; we are now living/ coping with the psychological effects of being oppressed. I am not victimizing myself or my people, however, I will [say the simple truth; even if the whole world thinks it’s a lie…], be a voice.
The Merge: "Walking my Path" Web Series Creators Larry Harris & Michael Wiggins
Larry Harris & Michael Wiggins “Walking My Path” Series
Walking My Path web series founders, Mike and Larry share their voice in an interview revealing how this merger began. They both met each other at a point where they needed each other; Larry was writing a book and Mike was already an author and that meeting sprung up the Web-series-walking my path. Their drive was to show and expose that African American gay men are living and along the line, they both found out they were walking the path and it popped up. Mike and Larry, who were raised by their respective grandmothers who fought for them to have the best outcome in life no matter their start. With this foundation, they both revealed that their only anxiety with the series is exposing themselves completely as this series is not scripted. On the same note, they are both excited for the amount of liberation that will ensue by being openly candid for the advancement of sincere success.
Larry Harris
A quick peep on business budgeting revealed that Mike is a free spirit spender while Larry is more of a financial adviser thereby creating a balance. Since Mike knows what is needed and Larry makes sure it is around the budget the two are not opposites but a balance. Their lifestyle is seen to be a real show of what it is with no aorta of pretense as they both aim for their success and not for fame. Their idea of no boss when working collectively greatly depicts the relevance of great communication between both parties. Both young men stated when choosing your entrepreneur partner its vital to choose someone who has similar visions of drive and creativity. Both being ambitious they flow well. They use their ideas to create instead of dispute! It is draining to be with people that don't know how to build your dream but instead pull down. There is NO BOSS when working collectively. That is where ego comes into play. There dynamic harmony was clearly seen as I conducted their interview. With such a great flow we ended up talking long over our scheduled time enjoyably.
Michael Riggins
As this is our Black Love incorporated issue we had to delve deeper. Mike with a bursting personality has elegantly explained he is open and ready for love although single. With great focus he puts a huge emphasis on timing and being whole within himself. Larry also giving a beautiful perspective of his own, shared he Larry is married, with a supportive husband having known each other 10 years before they tied the knot together. Larry shared that the key to his marriage is that him his husband set the ground for a strong foundation that gives them both the support they need with each other. Along with maintaining the importance of still dating long after the wedding bells ring.
With the arrival of 2017 Mike his current book “Reflections of Me” his first memoir on Amazon. Larry has just finished a book called “The Mask” where he touched subjects he never wanted anyone to know. (Find More Information in our Support Black Owned Media section)
Mike and Larry enjoin other entrepreneurs to work with people who have similar visions and creativity seeing it as their own strength.
Advice:
Mike: “Walk Your Own Path! Put in the work no matter how hard it gets. If you can't do it on your own, find a friend with a similar vision. What is the point of just talking about it.
Larry: “A lot of people look for validation in other people which stops them from their dreams. YOU MUST BELIEVE IN YOURSELF otherwise who else can. Your dream can’t be built on if people like you or your work otherwise you have nothing. You have to be ready for a hundred no's and know all it takes is that one yes. Help is great but never being dependent upon anyone making your dream come true. When you get that one yes build on it!! Do it for your passion not instant gratification!”
Slogan:
#YouWillKnowMyName
Contact Info:
MichaelGWiggins.com Walking my Path 2017 on youtube.
@MikeGWiggins Twitter and Instagram.
Larry: IG: @ariesforlife twitter