i.glove on...

We tweet & Retweet. We Upload. We post. We comment. We like and like and like and like. We SCROOOOOOOL. We like some more. We share. We’re social. This is the basic life of anyone who uses social media. It has become second nature to most of us. Take a look around any waiting area, bus stop, train station, airport. A lot of people don’t just wait anymore. Most people don’t talk. Few people read. Less people people-watch. Almost everyone is social media-ing. There is really nothing wrong until we let it become something wrong. 

The history about what was the first social media platform is probably a Google search away, but I don’t want to get too bogged down on dates. MySpace and Facebook were some of the biggest and most game changing sites. However before those, there were chat rooms and chat messengers like AOL Instant Messenger & Yahoo Messenger. And even before those, blogs probably gave a bit of a social media feel to the internet. Two big changes affect how we used these early versions of social media. One, the speed of internet. Two, the growth of cell phones. Before, much of social media was tethered to the home computer and land-line-killing dial up Internet.  We started to enter a new age once Internet got faster and phones began to become more like computers.

In 2007, the social media game quickly changed with the creation of the iPhone. This little piece of technology started a new era in the world known as the Smartphone Era.  “Apps” were a big feature on Apples new device. It gave people the freedom to take their favorite social media website anywhere. Now phones had the ability to take pictures, use the internet and connect with any person. All with a few swipes and taps. Behavior began to change. What started as a way to connect with a few old friends and maybe post photo albums online began to grow into its own culture. Without smartphones and social media, the word selfie wouldn’t exist. Pictures went from being a way to captures memories to being a way to flex. Then, more social networks would get created to feel specific niches that Facebook couldn’t or just hadn’t thought of (or bought up) yet. 

First it was Facebook. Then, Instagram, Snapchat, Periscope and Vine. Twitter got even bigger. And if we’re talking bigger Facebook got enormous. Some of these companies got bought by Facebook, other turned down Facebook’s offer, then got copied by Facebook. Eventually Instagram got bigger because of its acquisition by Facebook. This land grab for social media and the dollar signs behind it caused for companies to continually innovate their products. Innovate is a nice way of saying making them more addictive. Yeah homie, there are hella articles that speak to the fact that companies brought in designers to make you stay on their apps longer. They found a lot of little tricks to bring you back (notifications). And to get you to want to use it more. 

Now that peopled are hooked, what do they do? Use it. And use it we did - and still do. People are getting paid for just having a social media following, #Influencers. Viral is probably the term of the past 10 years. Fake news is probably the term of the end of that 10 years. Digital media is > Print media. Digital media is also starting to be more important the television. People are on their phones. Always. It’s how we get information. It how we get news. It’s how we get a laugh. It’s how we “connect.” 

Our connection with social media is...interesting. Do we use it too much? Some would say yes. Engineers who use to really fuck with what they were making, now are like, “Not so much.” Some regret what they made. Some more are even preventing their children from using it. Mental health professionals are worried about the negative affects social media is having on the population. The verdict is still out, but it’s something to keep in mind. Viral – a word that use to be more about funny cat videos, now is slowly become a lot more muddier. Fake news is now a part of internet culture. Facebook has made news too many times about privacy concerns, data misuse, and the spread of fake news. Every other week someone is dragged or cancelled. These echo chambers that we are living in are becoming bigger and bigger. What started as a cool way to share picture has become a lot less cool. And a lot more worrisome. 

I write this as a future proclamation to myself. Everything I need to be great is already in me. I’m getting better & smarter each day. My goals are mine. My ideal relationship is mine. My forever mood is mine. That $$$$ is mine. Balance in my life is mine. Those successes big & small, mine. Them blessings, hella mine! 

Even with what I wrote above, I’m sure I’m not the only one who doubts themselves sometimes. Everyone has in some capacity. I mean damn, even the great Maya Angelou did. We’re all humans with emotions and feelings that each of us are learning how to master every day. For some it’s easy. For others.... it’s the Mr. Crabs meme. We’re all a work in progress and you can’t rush to the finish. On God tho, I wish I could. But what I’m doing is slowly learning steps to make sure that I’m as 💯 as I can be. I’m focusing my mind on different outlets that promote positivity and progression. 

Everyone is different, but I believe everyone needs an outlet. Mine, among other things, is writing. But low key I have a laundry list of ways to channel my energy. I may listen to music, play on Photoshop or Premiere Pro, and even dance. That’s a reason, I believe, why people exercise so much. That’s the reason why people enjoy cooking or keeping plants in their home. All these activities give people a sense of calm and frees their mind from doubt. I read a great quote that said, “Work is the only thing that takes the curse of fear away.” I gotta bold that statement because it’s SUPER real. But it doesn’t have to feel like work, it can be play. Just let it be something other than drugs and drinks. I’m on the mission to get #HealthyHabitsALL2019.

These healthy activities don’t even have to be big, just look at this Sex is good, but meme.  Things slowly get better once you start realizing and appreciating the little goals you have in your day. They help me focus my mind and keep me working towards what my heart already knows it wants. Make a list, keep it simple. Then, check that s--- off! It’s hella satisfying. It keeps me feeling good and better able to handle when doubt tries to creep in. It allows me to keep looking forward and have gratitude for the little wins. If I feel the doubt, back to the list. And back to leveling up. 

Sometimes to get your 1up, all you need is a motto. Find your mantra and live by those words. The great Nipsey Hussle (Rest in Power) had a great one – The Marathon Continues. Diddy said Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop. Joel Embid and the 76ers used Trust the Process. It doesn’t have to be a phrase of a famous person, you can use something that’s already in our culture like: Everything happens for a reason. Carpe diem. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. These are all great ones. Or create your own words to live by. Whatever it is, use those words whenever you see yourself creeping towards doubt. Use your mantra as a reminder of what you’re trying to achieve and to help you remember there is always something beyond your current circumstances. 

Music can build your confidence through any condition. It’s anthemic. It lets you walk around feeling like a superhero. No matter the genre or song, as long as it pumps you up and gets you motivated, use it. That’s why most runners, people at the gym, or athletes during their pregame warm up have headphones on. It locks them in. Hip-Hop is what keeps me going. I can give you plenty examples that help me stay on my grind. Examples that keep me from feeling devastated. Examples that keep me motivated during my hustle. Or makes me feel the power. But it’s not the only genre that makes me feel powerful. Or helps me stay in my good feels. Find your song. Find a lot of them. Make your playlist and keep jamming to those dope ass motivational words. 

Be mindful of the words you speak about yourself, even as a joke. Those statements can become energy that you take in, but don’t need. Yes, be able to laugh about anything. But don’t self depreciate to the point you start believing it. See the humor, then move on. You’ll quickly realize just how important it is to keep that good energy around you. That feeling generally starts to build upon itself and begins to spread. And then the words, jokes, and phrases you make slowly help to build yourself up. And if you need to, sage your thoughts, your timeline, or your view on the world. It all adds up over time. 

There is no specific calendar date when the doubts completely turn off. However, you can make that noise into something a lot more insignificant. While turning up the words that make you feel brave. And this post is not a bunch of sentences ONLY saying to be positive. Far from it. It’s okay to feel how you feel. This blog post is just to give you a few tools to minimize the cloud of thoughts and feelings that can come with second guessing, fear, etc. This best thing you can do is to realize that all those thoughts will pass. It takes practice, dedication, and commitment to minimizing doubt. It simple, but not easy. But it’s very possible. Just take it one step at a time, next thing you know, you’re miles along your journey. 

What are you proclaiming? Money? Success? Peace? A dope ass accomplishment that you don’t even want to post about on social media?  Whatever it is, make your list. Write it down. And watch it happen. No doubt about it. 

Let’s continue the playoff conversation with the Wild Wild Western Conference. Also, we’ll get the 1 - 8 match out the way, the Warriors and Clippers. Although the Clips have been fun to watch this year with Lou Will playing dope, Montrezl Harrell, and Gallinari having a career years – they just don’t have enough. And that’s even if we could go back in time and Tobis Harris walked through that door. Steph, Klay, Boogie, KD and the gang are just tew much. If Clippers can steal a game that would be great, but it should be Warriors in 4. However, it should be fun seeing Patrick Beverley piss KD off for another few games. And KD knows what coming too. 

Editor’s note: DID I SAY STEAL A GAME THO! 

Jazz / Rockets...game 1 has already happen and the prediction that I haven’t told y’all about didn’t look good. I fux with Quin Snyder and his hard nose old school brand of basketball (peep their defensive rating). I’m a huge Donovan Mitchell fan and Rudy Golbert is a human no fly zone. I figured Houston could mess around and get surprised and lose this series. Buuuuutttttt... the Rockets look like a team on a mission. And they’re definitely set on a collision course with the Warriors for a rematch of the Western Conference finals from last year. James Harden gon James Harden...the Jazz need to try and handle everyone else. Or they can get ready to take their salty asses all the way back to Salt Lake City for the summer. 

There should be a BIG uh-oh for every Denver fan out there with this Nuggets / Spurs series. Yeah your team had one of the best seasons in a while, finished second in the West, and had a MVP caliber year from the Joker. But you “lucked out” and got San Antonio for the first round. And one thing I’ve learn about the NBA, playoffs experience goes a LONG way. There ain’t too many NBA coaches with more experience than Pop. Don’t be surprised if the youth of the Nuggets shows up and Spurs move on to the second round. Spurs in 6. 

Lastly another highly entertaining series that could be decided by a few games or key plays. Thunder v. Trail Blazers. And Oh Baby (in my And 1 announcer voice) this backcourt matchup is gonna be fun to watch. Dame n CJ against Brodie n PG13. Expect a lot of points. A lot of pointing at the wrist. A lot of hesies. A lot of flexing. And a lot of rocking the cradle. Both teams aren’t going into the playoffs on the best of notes. Blazers lost Nurkic to a pretty bad injury. And the Thunder went from being the 3rd best team in the West to dropping all the way to the 8th seed. Although they did rebound to get the 6th spot, the Thunder aren’t walking into the playoffs with a lot of momentum. I still pick Oklahoma to win the series even with all that stumbling, but how game one went, this series could easily go 6 or 7. 

It’s that time of the year again people, the return of the NBA playoffs. And you might read this after the first few days of games, but still – I’m here to give you my quick predictions of the first round.

Each conference in the NBA is litty this year with a bunch of matchups that will be interesting to watch. Let’s start out east where unlike years past, the conference is a bit stronger than before. We’ll get the matchup out of the way that shouldn’t be interesting, Bucks / Pistons. Giannis will be the MVP and Mike Budenholzer is already Coach of the Year, so unless Blake Griffin plays B-A-N-A-N-A-S (in my Fergie voice) don’t expect this series to go past 4 games. Editor’s note. Blake hurt. There is no god in Detroit. 

I would have guess the Raptors / Magic to go 4 games as well, but I watched game one annnnnddddd......fucking Raptors. Yeah the Raptors lost, but I still don’t expect the Magic to come out the series, but something else interesting did happen. This game showed problems the Raptors may have later in the playoffs...Kyle Lowry. He’s already a meme.  I hate to say it, but if he keeps playing shitty like in years past, the Raptors are gonna Raptor. Meaning, be a good regular season team and disappoint in the playoffs. Regardless, this team should be battling for a Finals appearance, but chemistry means a lot. And even though this team has played great, that C-word (chemistry) could come back and haunt them in the post season.

Even before watching the Nets / Sixers game, I could’ve told you this may be a tough series for Philly. D-Lo has been playing crazy, and his supporting cast from the 3 point champ Joe Harris, Jarratt “I’ll-block-any-superstar-shot” Allen, JB Smooth himself, Spenser Dinwiddie, all are ready for this matchup. Don’t be surprised if the bench start hitting the D-Lo shuffle after stealing a few games. The Sixers should come out the series anyway, but like my GroupMe said, Brett Brown could lose them a few games. Or Jimmy could start trying to bring fans to play the first team at practice. Or Joel could keep looking at Instagram on the bench. 

Boston we may have a problem. Don’t sleep on the Indiana Pacers. Just cause they don’t get to be on national television that often doesn’t mean them boys ain’t out there ballin’. If Victor was still healthy, I may have even been comfortable enough to call an upset, but without him, Indy can push the Celts to 6. But this series could easily go 7. Pacers shooting guard Bojan Bogdanović (WHO?) has been balling since Olidipo went down. Their roles players (Tyreke Evans, Thaddeus Young, Miles Turner) all have been playing well for the squad. And if we get a Sabonis sighting it could be bad business. But honestly, the media is making a big deal of Marcus Smart being out. If anything, it’s a slight inconvenience. There will be too much Kyrie, too much consistent Al Horford, and still too many options for Brad Stevens to throw on the court. All I’m gonna say is, Boston don’t want this series to be too hard fought cause the Bucks are waiting in the second round. And they’re ready to be disrespectful worse than that State Farm commercial. 

In another lifetime, I might have been an linguistic expert because I love how people talk – especially in Chicago. Language is just different here, period. If someone told me I could get paid to study the language of the Chi, say less. Even in my younger days, I always thought the little differences in how people in my city said and explain things was dope. Now that I’m older and traveled a few places, I still think Chicago lingo is the best. You don’t have to believe me, just look at how much this country has already swagger jacked the city’s lingo, on god! 

I’m a man that was raised in the 90s, so my knowledge of contributors to the lingo can only go back so far. I’m sure people like Common, Da Brat and Twista help push Chicago’s language in a heavy way. Shit, the great King of Comedy Bernie Mac probably had hella influence too. No doubt we have to understand that comedy and music ties deep into Chicago lingo. And it’s apart of the reason it got to a national scale in the first place. 

Genius has a pretty solid glossary of some of the most nationally known terms to come out of Chicago in music. A lot of people may know one of the biggest – Thot. And like most new words that enter the lexicon, most people don’t know exactly where it originated from or who popularized it. Most people would credit Chief Keef, however it was a Katie Got Bandz song, “We Riding Round and We Drilling” that was one of the earliest and biggest to use it. Complex Magazine wrote an article about the popularity of the word back in 2014, and now a new version of the word can be found in Blueface’s popular song, “Thotiana”. But the Chicago word list doesn’t stop there. Other words that Chicago can take credit for are, bust down. Opp. Tweakin. And more. 

Most of these terms showed up in songs first, but music isn’t the only way words leak into popular culture. A Chicago rapper and comedian named Korparate drops videos on Instagram, Facebook & YouTube full of Chicago lingo. His approach is the more comedic way that allows terms to flood into the world beyond Chicago. You may hear words and phrases in his videos like On Foe Nem Grave, On God, or Sluggin and be completely out the loop. But that’s the beauty of Chicago lingo, it perfectly captures so much emotion and meaning with so few words. Also, I doesn’t hurt that all the videos Korparate make are funny as hell. Comedy is a big part of Chicago whether it’s a few homies making jokes about each other to nationally televised comedians like Bernie Mac or Craig Robinson. And everything in between has help the funniness of Chicago lingo spread.

Of course, you can’t talk about Chicago slang with out mentioning Twitter. Once a word reaches a popular page or gets the right Retweet from a celebrity it can take off even more. In 2015, there was even a hashtag called the #ChicagoLingoChallenge. Chance the Rapper even got in on the fun to drop a few gems. And honestly, Chance has helped put a few words deeper into popular culture with just 140 Characters (280 if you counting now).

IDC what your opinion is on Chicago slang, it’s amazing and if you don’t agree you’re a goofy. Our slang has help make your music better, your basic conversations better, and your jokes better. You don’t have to 100% agree,  just don’t be out here sneak dissin the lingo. Cause as soon as I hear some ill words about the Chi’s slang, I’ll politely hit you with the wo wop da bam so you can get to another point.  

Okay Gen Zers gather round as this old man tells you the wonderful story about a once prized treasure in the rap game – the mixtape. See back in my day, rappers couldn’t get social media famous like they can today. I mean they could, but not just for telling jokes or coming up with a dance. They had to RAP. Not only did they have to rap but they had to make a whole project. And during this time album sales were falling and download sites like Napster, LimeWire, FrostWire, PirateBay, and more where taking over the get-me-music-free game. The music industry was seeing a shift and people like myself were braving virus filed computers to have the latest releases. But the mixtape was a way for artist to meet fans and record labels in the middle. A free project that had their full creativity to keep fans happy, but also promoted and grew the artist buzz for their label release. 

Prime mixtape years were from 2003 - 2015. 2003 is when Lil Wayne dropped Da Drought and IDK what anyone says this is the start of the mixtape era. In 2015, and folks would agree, Apple Music killed the Mixtape Era cause – steaming. Now some old head rap purist might argue and give me different dates, but eff them. I’m not about to talk about cassettes and all that ish. That’s another post. Anyway, during this era some of the greatest FREE music came into the world. Did I mention it was for the F word, F-R-E-E. People like me did not have to fear prosecution for their desire to get music that was $0. 

Free music is what made the Mixtape era special. Websites like Datpiff and Livemixtape fed the streets with the hottest downloads. Those websites would even crash because people were too thirsty to get that new fire. Then, people would live tweet as they listened song by song and wanted to tell the Twitterverse about such and such mixtape being a classic. Rappers became cult figures for their mixtape personas. Lil Wayne being the main one, just listen to Jay-Z’s “Death of Autotune” where Hov literally says “I might send this to the mixtape Weezy,” Real talk though, countless other artist have been said to have a better mixtape career compared to their albums. Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Curren$y might be a few examples. People just love getting stuff for free, so much so that people kind of forget about the studio releases. 

Cultural moments were literally created around mixtapes and their releases. One of this biggest examples was Kanye West’s Good Friday. For longer than a month period Kanye dropped a new song every Friday, more or less. People would literally wait by their computer, constantly refresh their Twitter just to see a link to the new song. These Friday releases allowed Ye to tease his new albums and put fans in a frenzy for whatever he did next. Wayne made himself into a cultural moment because he could ruin whole songs if he rapped over your instrumental. It took me too long to figure out Sky’s The Limit was a Mike Jones song first smh. Other rappers like Wiz & Drake created entire brands from their mixtapes, so much so, that Taylor Gang & OVO are cemented into culture. And the importance of their mixtapes is why Kush & Orange Juice and So Far Gone are some of the only tapes available on streaming platforms. THAT’S HOW DOPE THOSE MIXTAPES ARE. 

Another great evolution of the Mixtape Era was when artist stop taking the Wayne approach, i.e make a tape using only other people’s beats, and began making album quality mixtapes. I’m not gonna say who was the first cause I dunno, but a lot of the credit would go to Drizzy with So Far Gone. Although he did borrow a few instrumentals the tape largely felt original. Even spawning a few charting songs. Other artist like ASAP Rocky with Live. Love. ASAP. and Chance the Rapper with Acid Rap released music that were almost, if not entirely, original. 

Yes children, the Mixtape Era was a glorious time. A time when clicking a download button could energize your whole day. Hip-Hop and many of it’s artist will be forever grateful of the Mixtape Era. Streaming services probably exist today because of music fans appetite for unlimited F-word music. Even if you’re too young to remember or participate in the Mixtape Era, just do yourself a favor and go to Datpiff’s Celebrated Mixtapes page. You’re welcome. 

May the Mixtape Era live on forever in the hearts and minds of rap fans everywhere. 

So about a week ago (hits Bobby Shmurda dance) I hear something about this song getting taken off the Billboard Country Charts. I’m like 🤔...hella think face emoji...maybe Billboard just hating on some random country artist. But I pull up the interwebs and find out it’s a song called Old Town Road, by a black kid! That’s wassup! Black people out here taking over country n shit. Scroll through my Instagram, come to find out, even more people talking about this Old Town Road song. And then, they’re saying it’s a bop! At this point I’m intrigued. I go to listen, the next thing I thinking is...IF THIS A COUNTRY SONG THIS SHIT BANG. Buuuuutttttt, my Millennial attention span kick in and I go back to doing what I was doing and not really thinking about the song. 

Today (April 5) I see that Billy Ray Cyrus hopped on the remix to Old Town Road. Sidenote: Shout out to the Cyrus family for being culture vultures. But, now I gotta dig a little deeper into the song. I Google and see it’s by this kid named Lil Nas X. I know the name Childish Gambino came from a name generator but damn! This name takes the cake. Anyway, I scroll through his Wiki page. It’s short, but has just enough information on it. The kid started off as a memer and fan page maker. Then, his pages got a big enough following that some people suggested he start making music. After a few Soundcloud uploads or more, the world got Old Tow Road. 

It’s crazy how meme rap has become a thing. Jermaine Cole said it best, “Some n-ggas make millions, other n-ggas make memes.”  Lately, social media has been powering the music industry in a wild new way. There is even  major label tactics to push an artist through memes. I’ve seen people who had popular Instagram accounts, for dancing and other things, garner so much attention that they began releasing rap music. I’m looking at you Roy Purdy. Basically, the game has changed and social media is a big part. 

I write all that to say that one reason Old Town Road grew to bigger national attention was because of the “Yeehaw Challenge.” If you know anything about anything you’ve probably heard of another challenge or two. This trend is nothing new but it looks like it hear to stay. But hey 🤷🏾‍♂️, if it helps make a few black people get this money, who am I to hate. 

Old Town Road has blown up over night. Like I said Billy Ray Cyrus is on the remix. NPR is writing think pieces about it. And in the paraphrased words of the great American poet Paul Michael Slayton, “The Internet is going nuts.” Welcome to 2019. Sometimes you just gotta sit back and enjoy it. Shout out to Lil Nas X. Get yo money, playboy. Now excuse me while I go look for my cowboy hat and boots. Bout to hit my square dance real quick. ✌🏾

If you haven’t heard of Zion Williamson – What! Is! Wrong! With! You! 

A few years ago Zion became the human highlight all over my Instagram. I’m like who is this grown ass man?? Then to find out, he was only a Sophomore in high school!!!!! Dunking like he just drank some of Micheal Jordan’s AND Lebron’s secret stuff. Every basketball highlight page was buzzing all over IG. He lead his high school team to 3 state championships and averaged a bananas 36 points per game his senior year. FYI, there are only 36 minutes in a high basketball game – exactly!

After putting the fear of God in the young basketball players of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Coach K came knocking at Zion’s door. Zion took his highlight dunks and a milli Instagram followers to Cameron Indoor Stadium. Of course people thought he was only a dunker. That even the great Duke coach was reaching for Internet appeal more than getting an actual ball player. Until Zion became one of the best NCAA players of ALL DAMN TIME. That’s debatable but still – he’s pretty effing great. 

Yes, this Zion is effing great, but Duke wasn’t. They look hella meh without him. They probably were 0-4 in the games he didn’t play...I have no facts to support that claim but no one cared about Duke if Zion wasn’t on the court (no disrespect to RJ but....). Still they were a number one seed in the tourney, but got knocked out by a dope ass Michigan State team. Izzo finally got one over Coach K. But now that Duke is out of the tournament and hella folks’ brackets are on fire, NBA fans are debating how good Zion can be.

Some people compare him to Lebron - No.  Some people compare him to Charles Barkley – Maybe. Blake Griffin, Larry Johnson (Which I Like) ....my brother said this guy.

In my honesty opinion, Zion has the potential to be a more athletic version of Draymond Green. That’s a comparison getting thrown around a lot too. I even read an article that said he could be the first true point-center in the game. As small ball line-ups and positionless basketball take over the NBA, it’s very possible for him to fit that mold. He’s fast enough to out run guards. At 6′7 285 he’s probably strong enough to muscle up against true post up centers.  He has a 40-something-inch-vert. Hella hustles. He’s pretty legit. The biggest knock on him is his jumper and his handle is a bit shaky. Other wise, easy #1 pick.

That’s what we’re waiting on now. The NBA Lottery is May 14th. Will it be the Knicks, Suns, or Cleveland. Please Baby Jesus give my Bulls a chance too. 

Only time will tell how good Zion will be, but one thing is for sure – he’ll mos def will have a Instagram page full of highlights when it’s all said and done.

First off, Rest in Power to the great Nispey Hussle.

The rap game lost a growing legend. Nip had just started to reach the national notoriety he had been grinding towards for a while. If you hadn’t heard, Victory Lap, was nominated for a Grammy. It was a small win for many hip-hop purist and for the West Coast community who held down Nipsey. 

But from the outside looking in, most people would’ve thought this came out of nowhere. However, Nipsey has been putting in work for years. His music came to my attention with his track “Killer” featuring Drake back 2013. And even in this song Nip was about hustling and motivating anyone who would listen. His opening line was: “Before rap my last name was my lifestyle, and when I visualize success it look like right now.” Nip was about the Hussle, all day everyday. And to be on a track with Drake, one of the hottest artist during the time, and hold his own, he was announcing to the Hip Hop World that Nipsey Hussle was different. 

Nipsey was different because while much of the rap game gets stereotyped for womanizing and over spending – Nipsey’s lane was about grinding, stacking and flipping money for something more. Watch any of his interviews, especially his Rap Radar joints and you can see he was about creating generational wealth. He was about uplifting his team and putting them in positions to win. His lyrics was like a entrepreneurs encyclopedia.   

First you over dedicate, then you notice that you great/ And you been the whole time, then it slap you in the face/ Then you stack it in your safe, got it cracking, it was fate/ You the definition, nigga, laughing to the bank - “Young Niggas”

Know he a genius, he just can't claim it 'Cause they left him no platforms to explain it He frustrated so he get faded But deep down inside he know you can't fade him How long should I stay dedicated? How long 'til opportunity meet preparation? - “Dedication” 

Nipsey was about so many things especially putting money back into his community. So much so that he got shot outside his own clothing store in Crenshaw. It all came to an end too early. 33 years old. Right when everyone was really taking notice. 

The picture below has been going around the Internet. It kinda reminds me of a presidential profile on a dollar bill. If you knew anything about Nipsey Hussle he was definitely about that paper and giving it back. His face won’t be on any dollar bills but he rapped, talked, and lived like he deserved to be. 

Rest up Nip, the marathon continues in yo memory.