Have No Fear!

I'm sitting down to write this blog to express some observations. I feel that I should share what I see because it's interesting to me and may be interesting to you.

It's simply amazing to me how so many people are skeptical and in general...negative. Now...I could be off base with this. But, it's just an observation. People are so quick to see the negative before the positive. Why is that? Well...turn on your TV and watch the news and you can see how that can be. The news primarily focuses on bad or negative stuff. All the bad events of the day. But, for a brief moment of the broadcast, you'll hear about the good. That is simply amazing to me. That...has had a major impact on how society thinks. When you are bombarded with negative images and stories, do you think the people hearing and seeing it will be positive? No! How can they be when all they hear or see are bad things? It's just like telling a child that they will never be anything. Sooner or later, they are going to start believing that they will never be anything. That is exactly what is happening to us as a society. We're being told that there are a lot of bad people in the world and that everybody is out to get us. While it may be true that there are bad people out there, the fact is that there are many more good people than bad. But, the focus and emphasis has been so much on the bad that everyone is looked at that way. To me...that is just sad. It's a state of paranoia! Hasn't Bush proved how powerful fear can be in getting people to do things that they wouldn't normally do? Have you noticed how much of your freedom and liberties you have given up all in the sake of national security? If that isn't a good example of how to manipulate people by using their fears...I don't know what else is!

I write all this to point out that there are people that are genuinely trying to help people. But, people are so programmed to be skeptical that they don't even recognize it even when it's right in their face. I consider myself a good person and do my best to help people all the time. That's just my nature! But, it's amazing to me how quick people are to shoot things that come out of my mouth before they really listen. If a person like Donald Trump or Kobe Bryant were to show or tell people something, they would listen. Show up on Oprah...and they'll be listened to. Get on Dr. Phil and you have a better chance of being heard. But, when a regular person that is trying to do the same good tries, they are shot down. What's wrong with this picture?

Why is it that people are so willing to be blind? Why are people scared to take off their blinders and see what's around them? Why are people so scared to listen and be open? Why are people so willing to be followers and be lead like sheep? I don't know all the answers. But, from my observation, things won't change until people open their eyes and see things from a different perspective. When opportunities present themselves...take them! Opportunities open doors to other opportunities! Stop being scared of making a mistake as progress is only made through trial and error...mistakes. Theodore Roosevelt said, "A man that makes no mistakes...makes no progress!". Translation...if you're not willing to make an effort and try...then you will stay stagnant until you do! Wake up people! There are opportunities out there that can impact your life more than you realize...if only you would open your eyes to see. Life won't change...until you change!

The Transformation

It's been a while since I posted a new blog. I felt that it was about time for me to do so. So...here you go! :)

I've been really focused on making changes in my life to make things better. I'm doing this through personal development. How this all came about was by getting involved with Pre-Paid Legal. Now...I'm sure that most of you have something to say about that already and that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion just like I'm entitled to my own. But, take a few moments to find out how it has impacted my life for the better.

Those who know me, know that I have always been a positive and optimistic person. I see the lighter side of everything even when there seems to be no lighter side. It's that life philosophy that has helped me bounce back from so many situations that seemed so bleek.

When I got involved with Pre-Paid Legal, it was to better myself and my family financially. I was tired of the financial struggles of not having enough money, tired of having to work for someone else and allowing them to dictate my future, tired of driving a car that is 14 years old, and tired of living in a 2 bedroom apartment. I want a house where my son can play in the backyard and have his own room, drive a newer vehicle, and have enough money where I don't have to worry about if the bills are paid. I also want to be able to create music for the love and passion of it and not necessarily for the money. That was and still is my motivation. But, after getting involved in Pre-Paid Legal, a transformation started to take place. I started to become a different person than I was before. Pre-Paid encourages personal development. In the past, I have read a couple of personal development books. But, since getting involved, I've read more books than I did prior to! Not to mention the audio CDs I've listened to. That...is an accomplishment in itself! But, to learn how to improve oneself for the greater good of others, is totally awesome! I started to become a true leader...a mentor...for other people that needed guidance. The more I learned about Pre-Paid, the more driven I became in helping people rather than just for the money. For the first time, in a long time, I have found something that I have a passion for that rivels my music...if not more! That...says alot! Why? There are so many people that go through things that they don't have to. I started realizing that I wasn't just sharing information about a service and opportunity. I was sharing a way for people to have peace of mind and no longer have to accept things the way they are. I was sharing a way to change someone's life and make a way for them to live better lives. I was sharing an opportunity to change people's financial future if they so choosed. It started to make sense that I was doing a great service by helping people. Now...whether or not people see it that way is another story. But, the truth is...I do my best to help people everyday. I just happen to get paid for doing it. No different than a plumber, real estate agent, or any other company that offers a service.

I thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy blog! I truly appreciate it! But, the truth is that I would continue on my path regardless. It's that determination that will get me where I want to. And along the way...I will be helping people. The question now is...do you want to go on the journey with me? Or do you want to be a spectator and just watch. If so, go to this website: www.BuildYourDynasty.com. The choice is yours. But either way...I'm still moving forward. :)

The State of Hip Hip/Rap...What Is your Opinion?

I've been doing some reading on the state of Hip Hop/Rap. It's interesting to me to see that people's opinions haven't changed much in the last 10 years. The majority of people say that Hip Hop/Rap is hurting and it's lost touch with it's roots. I agree with that to a certain point. Below are my thoughts about it.

Hip Hop/Rap in my opinion is hurting and growing at the same time. Yes...it has gotten away from it's roots. Most songs these days don't have any substance. Most are about how much money they have, how many cars they have, how many women they can get, and places in the world they can go. But, what happened to the songs about life...emotions...people? Those are far and few these days. Now...there is nothing wrong with people wanting to make a living doing what they love doing. I'm pursing the same thing. But, doing something solely for the money, in my opinion, is wrong. Music should done for the sake of doing music first. Music is my love and passion. I do it for the love of doing music first. But, like everyone else, I want to make a living doing it. But, I don't put the money aspect as the number one priority. Too many have lost their integrity over the pursuit of the almighty dollar. I've seen it so many times...people using people for their personal gain! They do whatever they have to do to get that deal. But, not knowing that they are only hurting themselves in the end.

On the flip side, Hip Hop/Rap has become so widely accepted by the masses that it has become the most dominant music genre in the industry...surpassing Country! The last I checked, Hip Hop/Rap accounts for approximately 40% of all music sales. That says alot! So...that shows that Hip Hop/Rap is still growing and prospering. That is a good thing as Hip Hop/Rap was supposed to "die out" within the first 10 years of it's existence. Well...30 years later...it's still here! But, we as a whole have to be mindful that it's up to us to step it up and keep Hip Hop/Rap growing and thriving. We can do that by taking some ownership of what we say and improve it!

The Journey To A New Me

I'm sitting down to write this blog because I felt that it was important to me to let others know about my journey to a new me. Some would ask...why do I need to know that...while others would say...that's cool! The reason I do this is to confirm and validate my commitment to myself to become a better person in all aspects of my life!

I've been doing alot of soul searching about what is it that I truly want out of life. At this point of my life, the answer is pretty simple...I want the best life for my family. Simple huh? Even though my want is simple, it's getting there that's complicated. Well...as I once thought. See...I've always lived by the philosophy that anybody can be successful...no matter what their upbringing or background is. But, I also know that it takes hard work, focus, drive, and determination to get there. I'm pretty sure most of us know this already. The problem is that most of us get sidetracked with things that life throws at us. That includes me! We don't work as hard! We lose the focus! We lose the drive! We lose the determination! And, we come to the conclusion that life is what it is! But, what I've come to learn and now believe is that your mindstate...your philosophy on life...is what keeps you in your present condition or situation. It's the decision we've made in the past that is the reason for where we are today. It's the decisions we make now that will determine where we will be in the future! Can we say that I've had an epiphany? I can! I don't see things the same anymore. My mind is wide open right now and I have new vision! And how did all this come about? A seminar and discussion. Wow! I already knew that I wanted to change. The problem was that I wasn't ready to make the change. I didn't believe in the change. That's all changed now! I'm ready and implementing change. I'm setting my goals and pursuing them! Changes will seem subtle in the beginning. Like...reading more good informational books...starting to work out...things like that. Small steps that seem like they have no affect have a big impact over time. So...keep that in mind for yourself. Make small changes and they will add up in time! We all can be where we want to be if we just make the right changes!

P.S.- I suggest reading the following books as they will help you get a start to making the right changes in your mindset and philosophy on life and money. Let this be the beginning of change for you as well! :)

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

Rich Dad, Poor Dad 1st (first) Edition Text Only by Robert T. Kiyosaki

How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Times Are Hard For Alot Of People

This is not my typical post. This is a bulletin from the heart!

Right now, alot of people are going through hard times. It's like there is a blanket of bad luck covering our country. Here are some examples.

A MySpace friend of mine had her car totalled by a drunk driver while it was parked in front of her house, laid off her job of 13 years, and father passed away in a matter of a month and a half. And to make things worse, her dad didn't have a will! So the state took his house...putting her family on the streets! :(

Another MySpace friend of mine lost her house! :(

Another MySpace friend is going through rough times with her relationship and it doesn't look good. :(

A good friend of mine was laid off her job of 2 years...the day after Mother's day! She's still having a hard time finding a job :(

A good family friend is going through a divorce and is having family issues back in his hometown at the same time! :(

A family member is going through child custody issues with his ex-wife who is literally making his life a living hell! To add insult to injury, because of all the drama, he's lost out on job opportunities! :(

These are only some of the stories I'm hearing and witnessing. What is really going on? These are good people! But, yet...going through so much drama and struggling!

I'm saying all this to say that to those of you out there that are going through hard times...you're not alone! Alot of people are going through hard times too! I'm not a very religious person. But, I do have strong beliefs. And there is one thing I have been told over and over...for those of you that believe in God...God doesn't give you more than you can handle! The only advice I can give is to stay positive and have faith! Everything will fall in place in due time. There is light at the end of the tunnel and there is always a calm after a storm! Hang in there! For those of you out there that are doing well...count your blessings and be thankful! Because there are so many that are doing bad right now!

Things I've Noticed

I've been doing a lot of observing lately and I've noticed some interesting things. So….check it out!

It's amazing to me how many times I've heard people say over the years…"Don't forget about us little people when you make it big". My usual response to that is that if I forgot about you, you didn't mean much to me to begin with! If you meant something to me, you'll never be forgotten! If you sit back and think about it, it makes total sense. People that are forgotten, usually didn't mean much to that person or organization. They were forgettable. But, people that made an impact or leave an impression will always be remembered. It's human nature! Most of us can remember a person in our lives that has had a major impact. But, we don't remember the people that didn't have an impact or left an impression. That's just how it goes. So…people shouldn't get offended when they're forgotten if they didn't make an impact or leave an impression on that person. In my case, the people that I remember the most have always been there in some form or another. I still remember friends from elementary school. Why…because they had an impact in my life. I'm sure there are a lot more people that remember me. But, that is because I have a personality that leaves an impression. I say all this to say that if you want to be remembered by anybody, you have to leave an everlasting impression that makes you hard to forget.

In relation to music, I remember all the people that have been there for me since day one and even those that have turned their backs on me. I wish that things could be different. But, the reality is…it is what it is! I just accept it and move on! But yet…they are still remembered. They've left an impression and had an impact in my life. Some good! Some bad! But once again…I still remember them! Now…there is a person that is on my Top 24 on MySpace for a reason. This person has bought 6 of the 8 CDs that Sweat Shop Recordings has released. The 2 releases he didn't buy were non Rap/Hip Hop. No problem! We can understand that. But, he's been showing major support for what we do! On top of that, this person is in Japan! This person is remembered for their support and love for what we do! There are so many people that want to be remembered by us. But, do nothing to make themselves memorable. How can you be remembered when you don't support the very people you want to remember you when they're "famous" or "made it big"? The ironic thing is that we're accessible! We respond to people and all that! But yet…lack support!. But, these same people will break their neck to try to talk to major celebrities who really don't care if they exist or not! I know that I would feel good knowing I was part of someones success. To a certain degree, I already have. What about you?

Now…on another page…it's amazing to me how many producers and artists want to be Superstars. But, not willing to put in the time or effort. I see producers and artists that literally just lock themselves in a room, do what they do, and expect that success will come to them. Success is not going to come knocking on your door! You have to go knocking on its door! One way or another! You want to be a big time producer? Put your beats out there! Let your beats be heard! Take time to really learn and hone your craft! But, yet…too many upcoming producers want to take short cuts! I have nothing against looping software such as Fruity Loops, Acid Pro, or even E-Jay! It's a creative tool and can be fun to use. But, how many upcoming producers really know how to play an instrument these days? How many really know how to make a beat from scratch without the use of loops? Technology has made a lot of the upcoming producers lazy in my opinion! The same goes for artists! I know artists that all they do is smoke a blunt and write. They want the hottest beats and studio time…all for free! All they think about is putting out a CD. But, yet…they want to get stupid paid off the same CD that they wanted to pay nothing for to make it. Wow! That's bold as hell to me! But hey…there are people out there that do it. I was one of those that did for a long time. I gave and gave. But, not anymore! I have learned that people just use you for what they can get out of it. They only think of themselves. I do what I do because I love doing what I do. But, no longer am I going to allow someone to use my love for music for their personal gain. You want to work with me…you got to play the game right!

In relation to putting in time and effort, for example, my brother, Mad Man Smooth, and I hit the streets to look for prospective spots to sell CDs. In all honesty, we didn't have to do it. We're the owners of the label. But, we did it. Why? Because the artists aren't doing what they're supposed to do. While we were out, we sold some CDs. That proved to us that it's not that hard because we weren't really trying. We were in a different mode. But, yet we did!

So...this is how I feel. If you're too lazy to take pride in your own craft and make something happen, then don't expect to be successful!

Make Sure Your Mixes Are The Best They Can Be!

Make sure the mixes of your songs are the best they can be! This is very important! You only have one time to give a first impression and you don't want to blow it. A bad mix can make an awesome song sound like trash while a great mix can make an average song sound awesome.

Since there are a lot of novice engineers out there, I figured I would give some advice on how to do a good mix. The most important element of a good mix is balanced volume levels. That means how each element of the song balances with each other volume wise. Certain instruments should "fit" in a mix at certain levels compared to others. For example, a string sound is not going to be as loud as vocals. That is because strings typically are more background than the vocals. Unless...that is what you want. Everything in a song has to have it's own space. You should be able to hear each element of the song clearly without overpowering another element. A great mix can be done with no effects at all. Effects are to be used to enhance and add flavor.

There are plenty of books out there to guide you in doing a good mix. But, what I found that was very useful to me was not a book you buy from Borders or Barnes & Nobles. It was only 3 pages in the reference manual of an Alesis Studio 32 mixer. It's a Guideline for a rough mix. You can download the manual by clicking this link: Alesis Studio 32 Reference Manual (Pages 58-60). Up until I read this information, my mixes were pretty good. But, after reading this information, my mixes improved dramatically. It gave me a better understanding on the relationship each element of a song has with another element. Now, it's only a guideline or starting point for a mix. It's not necessarily to be used as a defacto for a mix. You have to use your ears to make the final judgement. Experience over time will develop what sounds good at what level.

Well....I hope this information helps out those of you out there doing it on your own. Have fun learning and experimenting!

Controlling Vocal Levels Using Compression

I know that a lot of people use various ways to record their vocals as well as use various microphones. But, this is something that I have learned a long time ago to control vocals in a mix...

YOU HAVE TO USE COMPRESSION!

If you don't know what that is then it's time to get on board. A compressor squashes down or quiets the vocals based on a ratio. For example, a 3:1 ratio means that for every 3 decibels the signal goes pass the set threshold, the compressor compresses the signal by 1 decibel. What this does is control fluctuations in the recording. The higher the ratio, the more compression is applied.

What I use in my studio is an Alesis 3630 Compressor Limiter with Gate (pictured above). I use a compression ratio of 10:1 to 15:1 depending on the artist. This gives me a good strong vocal that is under control and fits well in a mix. I also set my threshold at -20 decibels. Sometimes a little higher if I have a very hard time controlling the vocals with compression alone.

Experiment with compression. But, it's definitely a must if you want your vocals to sound strong. The same guidelines can be applied for live events such as presentations and performances. I will touch on the subject of how to use a gate in an upcoming post.

The Beginning...

Where do I start? Well...it's good to start from the beginning. :)

Since Junior High, I have been told that I have a great ability to write. That I have a way with words and my thoughts come across loud and clear. That I'm able to touch people with my words. Being the humble person that I am, I simply thanked the person for the compliment and moved on. But, as time has passed, it has became a recurring theme. I've heard questions such as "Have you ever thought about being a counselor?", "Have you ever thought about doing motivational speaking?", and "Have you ever thought about teaching others what you do since you're good at it?". Well...for years I really never gave it much thought. I just did what I do. But, those questions have been swimming in my head for years and I finally decided...why not?! So...here I am! :)

My background is primarily music based. I got involved in music as a child at the age of 7. I sung in choir at church. That progressed in Junior High when I took up drums. Of course you know my parents weren't too thrilled at first. From there, I start deejaying at the age of 16. At the age of 18, I deejayed for two Rap groups and started a music clique named Posse In Effect or P.I.E. for short. The name was changed to Pomona's Insane Empire shortly after. During this time, I became very well known in the Pomona area for programming beats and I worked with several unknown and upcoming artists. In 1993, I started doing full blown music production and continued to hone my skills. By the end of 1998, I had built a modest home recording studio and released my first first CD, "Studio Time" under the name of just AFX. The success was marginal. But, to be expected for a first release. In 2000, my brother and I started our independent record label, Sweat Shop Recordings and in 2003, I started Demolition Men Productions. Since 2002, we have released 8 CDs, sold music in several countries, and have plans to continue releasing more music and growing.

In addition to Sweat Shop Recordings and Demolition Men Productions, in 2007 I started another business with a network marketing company. This was definitely a big step as it expanded my mind to a whole new world! Personal development became a intrigal part of my life! Thank goodness!

In 2008, I deejayed and hosted my own radio show on Studio 24 Radio Live (http://www.Studio24RadioLive.com/). It definitely was a great experience and going to be going back it the beginning of 2010!

Now...how does all this tie into the beginning paragraph of this blog? Well...it's pretty simple. I've been told for years that I give alot of good advice and insight, I have alot of music background and experience, and I definitely have a entreprenueral mindset. So, I'm going to put it all together and talk about it here. The ups and downs of music, music production, internet radio, personal issues, personal development, business, and at times spirituality. I feel that I have alot of knowledge and insight that I should share with peopleand what I know and have experienced can possibly help someone or point them in the right direction. Isn't knowledge supposed to be shared? So there you have it! :)