To Dream or not to Dream

So you met them, you come to know them, you grow to love them. He or she is everything you ever needed and more than you ever thought you wanted. Intelligent, outgoing, great conversations, attractive, well spoken, kindhearted, humble...a well educated hustler with a heart full of ambition.

But how much ambition is too much?

We all, at some point, had a goal for our future that was unfathomable to someone else. Whether that someone else was a 'hater' or a person who simply had a pessimistic outlook on life, and that goal was anything from graduating from high school and earning a college degree or physically landing on the moon, someone has doubted that we could make it happen.
So, what do you do when the he or she of your dreams, has dreams of their own? Dreams that very few people ever see come to fruition. Goals that aren't easily attainable and he or she isn't willing to give up on those goals for so called "stability". 
When does it become too much? Is it when their short hours and low funds inhibit the things you are capable of doing as a couple? Is it when they are out of work for a while? What if it just takes too long for them to meet the minimum goals they set for themselves? What if you just don't believe?
Now, don't get me wrong, I know some people set goals and never make an effort to get their foot in the door. But what about those who try? The ones who work tremendously hard for what they want to attain and won't take no for an answer?
Remember that hustler's ambition that attracted you to them in the first place? Why should they give up on those dreams and forfeit that drive because it doesn't make sense to YOU? Why should the person with drive, tenacity, talent, and hustle settle for a run of the mill 9 to 5 because you changed your mind about being comfortable with their seemingly far-fetched aspirations?
I don't know everything about love and how it works, but I do know this. Support is one of the many keys to a relationship. It could just be me, but I find it hard to say you love someone and not believe in who they are and what they're capable of. On the other side, if you are the person with dreams and aspirations bigger than yourself, stick to what you set out to do and get it done. Nothing wrong with a man with a plan and a woman with a hustle. But don't leave your loved ones high and dry because you are a man with no idea and a woman with nothing but a big butt and a smile.


dig and be dug...

The Independent Woman

WAIT! Don’t ignore this. I know the topic of a woman having independence and flaunting it when, where, and how she chooses doesn’t seem too interesting. And yes, there is a predictable Beyonce/Destiny’s Child reference. But you’re obviously already reading this and a quitter never wins…so you may as well continue.

Whether you’ve only seen them portrayed as characters in movies or on T.V., read about them in books, or had to do a history project on what may now be considered a dying species, the “Independent Woman” is someone who has not existed without much controversy. Whether she wanted to vote or buy her own bottle of Moet with the sparklers in the club, someone usually has something to say about it. And there within lies my confusion…

I could be wrong or it could be a simple misunderstanding, but why all of the qualms with a woman who can pay her own way? AND ENJOYS IT? Now be clear. I know there are some women who claim independence and are using it to distract other people from their deeply rooted bitterness and I know some men are very happy to be with a woman that will go half or 100% when it comes to finances. HOWEVER, there are some women who take pride in the fact that they can do very well for themselves and their loved ones, and rightfully so.

Back to the confusing part. If Jeezy can say he’s going to buy a chopper, as in a helicopter, to go to the club to make his old girl jealous, why can’t Destiny’s Child talk about the watch and house they bought? IDK, people.

Then there are the guys, men, fellas, etc who complain about women being gold diggers and trying to trap them and yadda yadda yadda, but are bashing the women that can do what they want, when they want to, and not use their man’s money money to get it done. WHY?! All you have to do for this woman is hold her down mentally, emotionally, and physically. You can spoil her with free/inexpensive things like sweet words, romantic getaways to the gun range, and random slow dances to DMX’s How’s it going Down and splurge every now and then on things that actually cost more than time. And because money is not her focus, you don’t always have to spend it! Seems like a win/win.

Of course every woman, just like every man, is different but if she’s mature enough to handle her own business, chances are she’s mature enough to appreciate a man that does more than just spend his hard earned money on her.

All I’m saying is, if you meet a woman who’s doing her thing, respect her hustle. Every woman who has her own is not incapable of letting a man be THE man. No, she may not need you to buy her Chanel bag or her Red Bottoms, but she has a heart, mind, body, and soul that you can take excellent care of if you put in effort.

If all you have and are willing to contribute is your penis and your wallet then…this isn’t for you. I’ll use SAT words next time so you can learn something new.

dig and be dug...

(originally posted on 7/17/12 at http://politikin.tumblr.com/)

SOM remnants of nostalgia

In today’s society, the element of surprise we had in the past is no longer relevant. Whether it’s the transition from the radio to the ipod, or your favorite artist having their newest project leaked, it’s hard to experience things that are amazing anymore.

But at 1843 14th st NW in Washington, DC, anticipation is still tangible.

Neal Becton, the owner of Som Records sits at his desk surrounded by history recorded on vinyl. Staples Singers lead, Mavis Staples’ strong raspy vocals ooze from the speakers and Roebuck “Pops” Staples blues guitar collides with it in perfect harmony.

Becton started collecting vinyl albums while in high school and only considered the idea of opening a record store as a running joke with friends. Even after attending a life changing concert by rock group The Who, the week of his high school graduation he still wasn’t convinced. When a dj at a bar he was bartending at didn’t show up, Becton’s growing record collection came to be more of a saving grace then a running joke. 

After working a few “regular jobs” he decided to follow through with destiny.

Although he was raised in Atlanta, Ga by a New Jersey born mother who loves rock-n-roll like Led Zepllin and the Beatles, and a North Carolina born father who loves Country and the Blues, Becton can’t pick sides.

“I collect Country, Latin, Rap records, Jazz records, I like it all pretty much the same. Just depends on my mood…depends on the time of day.” 

Mrs. Becton is just as musically well rounded. Her interest in Hip-Hop has grown, but as a fan of indie-rock, she’s seen the internet work wonders for all genre’s of music.

…”I feel like audiences, whether they’re at the club, or listening in their car, or on their computer, are really exposed to so much that it gives artists a lot of leeway if they want to do different stuff on their albums, regardless of the genre…”

It comes as no surprise that the Becton’s little girl already has great taste in music. Though she can’t say much yet, she’s chosen her two favorite satellite radio stations.

Hip-Hop and the Grateful Dead.

Neal Becton aka DJ Neville Chamberlain, stays true to the original art of DJ-ing with vinyl and only uses Mp3 on some occasions. To him, the internet has proven to be a gift and a curse to music.

“The internet’s great because anyone can sit in their bedroom in the middle of nowhere and have access to everything. But actually going to a store and hearing something and hearing other people talk about it, it’s much more personal…it’s nice to have other people to share the music with…” 

Customer’s at Som Records include, well…everyone. From local artist’s such as DC’s own Damo, to people simply looking to invest in a bit of their past.

Like records on turntables, music makes the world go ‘round. Perhaps, God is in fact, a DJ.

dig and be dug...

(originally published 8/2011 on http://politikin.tumblr.com/ )