UnAware

                                                                             
What's Going On World,
                                   It's been forever. A lot is going on with me. I've recently started producing my own music, and just finished a photo shoot. It seems like this dream becomes more and more difficult each day, but I have faith in my purpose so I know great things are ahead. I just thought I would share this incredible video of a guy named Allen Stone performing an original song called "Unaware". Everything about it is great, from the writing to the arrangement. You'll be blown away. Promise!
                                                                               Til Next Time,
                                                                                                 Brentwood Slim

Circumstance

                                                                                         

What's Happening World,
                                        It seems like forever since we've connected. It feels good to be back though. I've just been working hard, staying positive, and believing. Does it feel like, the closer you get to your dream the more distractions come? It's like when you're right there, some circumstance attempts to trip you up. That's been my experience over the past month, but I have to encourage myself to STAY IN IT. Consider it this way. Your gift is bigger than you. There's hands you have to shake, lives you have to inspire, and most importantly a world that needs your voice. So FIGHT FOR IT!
                                                                               Wishing You the Best,
                                                                                                           Brentwood Slim

This Woman's Work

                                                                                           

What's Going on World,
                                   I had my first photo shoot today! It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be,  and we walked away with some really great shots. I'm extremely excited about this upcoming year. Great things are going to happen. It's important to stay positive and continue to work hard. Speaking of working hard, I don't know many people who can match the work ethic of my good friend James Boyd. We went to high school together in Jax, and I've always had an admiration for his talent and dedication. With that said, I wanted to share on of his videos. I'm most impressed by his ability to isolate movement in the body, and how articulate it is. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
                                                                          'Til Next Time
                                                                                              Brentwood Slim

Over

                                                                                             

What's Going on World,
                                     It's been a LONG day today, however I'm still here for you all. I just wanted to share this video of the Berklee guys, again, doing yet another incredible arrangement. This time it's of Drake's song "Over." I really don't have much to say about it. You'll see.
                                                                                    Peace
                                                                                          Brentwood Slim

Corey Henry

                                                                                           

What's Going On World,
                                      It's been a really busy week. I've been preparing everything I need for this upcoming photo-shoot.  I hope life's been good to you. I just thought of one of my favorite videos that I'd like to share. It's of an organ player named Corey Henry. I can't begin to tell you how incredible, and inspirational it is watching this guy. I'm amazed that these kinds of gifts love in people. Enjoy it. Tell a friend about it.
                                                                                Til Next Time,
                                                                                                   Brentwood Slim

August Alsina

                                                                                                     

What's Happening World,
                                       I've just completed what seems like a very long shift at work, but I'm here. I was just on twitter and I came across a very gifted young man. He goes by the name of August Alsina,  from New Orleans. I just thought I would share a bit of his work, because it's definitely inspiration. I love the heart that's in his sound, which will only grow. So this is his cover of Lil Wayne's "How To Love." Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
                                                                               Peace
                                                                                     Brentwood Slim
                                                                   

HeartBeat

                                                                                               
What's Going On World,
                                     I've been listening to this song all day. It's called "Heartbeat" by Orlando Dixon. I had a previous post about the incredible work that he does. I love how smooth this record is. It kind of makes you want to get sexy and go out. Again, I'm looking forward to this kids future and the great work that awaits him. Hope you dig it.
                                                                      Peace,
                                                                               Brentwood Slim
                                                                                         

Role Model

                                                                                             

What's Happening World,
                                       I just thought I would share this video of David Banner, speaking on rappers being role models. I found it really interesting, his ideas of what people gravitate towards. Sex, Money, and fast cars. I wonder why? These subjects feel so common now, that it all kind of blends together. I'm a firm believer, that people need inspiration as much as they need club bangers. But it feels like positivity is looked over. What are your thought?
                                                                       Brentwood Slim

Bottoms Up

                                                                               
What's Going on World,
                                      So before I go to bed tonight, besides saying my prayers, I MUST share this video. It's an arrangement of Trey Songz's "Bottoms Up", by a group of guys who attend Berklee School of Music. Darion Ja'Von, Darek Cobbs, Rod Bonner, Anthony Nemhard, and George Parks. This is truly work that inspires me. I love that they didn't see it as an opportunity to show every trick that they knew, but to make a cohesive sound and choose the moments to come out of the groove. I'm looking forward to the future of these guys. Hope you enjoy it.
                                                              Peace,
                                                                     Brentwood Slim

Fear

                                                                                     

What's Up World,
                        I just thought I would share these words of wisdom today. It seems like sometimes the older we get, the easier it is to become bitter. Why harvest that "fear" when everyday you have an opportunity to do something great. Remember perfect love casts out fear. So you have to make a choice about how you want to live your life. From fear or from love. It's on you!
                                                                      Til Next Time,
                                                                                         Brentwood Slim
                                   

Caught Up

What's Going On World,
                                    I'm sorry, Again lol,  that we haven't connected in a week. I've been busy reading "Creating Passion Brands"by David Vinjamuri , as well as organizing my next move. I just want you all to know, to stay persistent. In whatever you do, consistency pays off. I also wanted to share this video. It's of my favorite drummer, Aaron Spears,  playing to Usher's song "Caught Up". He has such an incredible ability to go in and out of the groove, as well as really tasteful fills. Hope you enjoy.
                                                                             Til Next Time,
                                                                                                Brentwood Slim

Intentions

                                                                                         

What's Going on World,
                                 So it's been a few days, I know. You'll have to excuse my obession with this new book I got my hands on. It's called Twitter Power 2.0 by Joel Comm. Incredible read for those who are building brands. I want to speak on something that's been on my heart lately. I often ask myself  "why do I do what I do?"  WHY make music? WHY act? WHY sing? And it always comes down to something very simple. Because I love to do it. With whatever you do, if the money, the lifestyle, or the approval from others become the WHY, you'll never truly be happy. Do it because you love to do it. You'll be surpised at the impact.
                                                            'Til Next Time
                                                                           Brentwood Slim

Penelope

                                                                                           
What's Happening World,
                                     People ALWAYS ask me what's my favorite song, and I can never answer. I guess my love for music makes me appreciate just about everything. But if I had to choose, I would say my favorite song is Penelope by a group called Pinback. I heard this song for the first time in high school, and a couple of years ago I found out that it's actually about a dying fish. lol That's just a testament that WHATEVER you talk about, if it's from the heart, it transcends. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I do.
                                                                                         Peace,
                                                                                                 Brentwood Slim

Pitch Black Milk

                                                                                     
What's Happening World,
                                   I thought I would shed some light on this incredible short film called "Pitch Black Milk". It's written, directed, and produced by Chriss Barkley who is an incredible up and coming producer. It deals with not accepting yourself for who YOU are, which is a very human thing to me. We all have individual gifts, unique talents, and eccentric ways of thinking but somehow compare ourselves to other people. Even down to wanting to look like someone else. I'm inspired by this work, because I'm constantly reminded that I have to be the best ME I can be.
                                                                      Enjoy,
                                                                             Brentwood Slim

INSPIRED

                                                                                         
What's Going On World,
                                     I heard a quote today that said, "Life is like a game of monopoly. No matter how many properties we buy or how many houses we build, at the end of the game "it all goes back in the box".   All we have ultimately are the relationships that we nurtured, the lives we impacted, and the ones that have touched us." This was just a reminder to me, that all the fly things that we love about life. Cars, Money, Clothes, Jewels, etc. We can't take it with us. It's important as artists, and as people that we leave our stamp on the world. That when we're gone our legacy lives. Hope it inspired you, as much as it did me.
                                                                          'Til Next Time
                                                                                             Brentwood Slim

Serenade

                                                                                   

What's Up World,
                            Yet another post. I ran across this video the other night, and it just so happens that I went to high school with this young lady. Her name is Farrin Sherelle, and she's an INCREDIBLE vocalist. I love how much control she possesses, and her overall clean sound. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her, and I consider this inspiration.
                                                                      Enjoy,
                                                                             Brentwood Slim

Change

                                                                                   


What's Up World,
                        Just want you all to know that Life Happens. Time changes, circumstances change, and ultimately the world around you changes. How you respond to these things, is what makes you Victorious or what sets you back. It's easy to become bitter, to be frustrated, and to doubt. Stay in it! Know that your purpose is unmatched, and discipline will carry you through.
                                                                             Peace
                                                                                    Brentwood Slim

Believing

                                                                                           

What's Up World,
                          I just thought it was about that time, to give you guys some original work. This is me doing a cover of Lupe Fiasco's "The Show Goes On". I actually wrote this song to myself as a reminder to keep grinding, even when the present circumstance looks bad. Now it's like my anthem, whenever I feel anything close to giving up. Hope you all dig it!
                                                                           Peace
                                                                                 Brentwood Slim

Sure Thing

                                                                             

What's Happening World,
                                        I just got off work, and I thought I would share one of my favorite videos right now. It's of an up and coming artist, named Orlando Dixon, who is extremely talented. He's doing a cover of Miguel's "Sure Thing", which I actually like more than the original song. I look forward to this kids future, because it's not often that we hear such an authentic sound.
                                                                                     Enjoy,
                                                                                            Brentwood Slim

The Huddle

                                                   
What's Happening World,
                                        It's been a long time since we've spoke. I've been EXTREMELY busy pushing this vision forward. Recording music, setting up shoots, writing songs. You know, everything that comes with dreaming. I want you all to know that, you ARE your circle. You ARE the people that you hang around, as well as the things you expose yourself to. If you're around Great people you will be Great, and the same goes for the opposite. You have to make a daily effort to think and stay positive. Negative steals your joy. If you're a believer in the Bible or not, consider this scripture. "Evil company, corrupts good manners." Now marinate on that!
                                                      'Til Next Time,
                                                                            Brentwood Slim

Life Happens

                                                                                           

What's up World,
                          I promise to do better about being consistent with my posts. A LOT has been going on, and with that said "Life Happens". Do you believe that people change? That circumstances change, and friendships even? It can be a scary thing. It's important to know that sometimes you have to welcome change in your life, it just means you're growing. It may be hard to let some things go, but remember where one door closes another opens. Be better than you were yesterday!
                                                                                     Brentwood Slim

FUNNY

What's up World,
                         It's been a minute, but I'm back. I just thought I would share this with you all. It's called "Drama Dept", and it captures the four years at an acting conservatory. This episode is monologue night. It captures actors so well, which is what I love about it. I hope you enjoy it!
                                                                                        Peace,
                                                                                                Brentwood Slim

LIFE

                                                                                           
What's Up World,
                           It's been a long time since we've connected. You ever feel like the more disciplined you become, the harder the fight? The more you do right, things go wrong? When you really try to do good, you keep getting knocked down? Remember, suffering produces perseverance. Even when you're going through hell you MUST keep fighting, because something great is up ahead. The hurdles will try to distract you from the finish line, but keep believing. You're about to hit your dreams head on!
                                                                                         Peace,
                                                                                                Brentwood Slim

MOTHERS

What's Up World,
                          Because today is Mother's Day, I thought I would go back to a song that reminds me of my mother. I grew up in a rough area in Jax, Fl where there were allot of negative influences around me, but somehow my mother still kept me on track. She dealt with allot as a single mother, and I think this song explores the ups and downs of raising kids alone. I love that Pac never places judgement on her, although she has her own internal struggles.There's something about the love and respect a son has for his mother. I hope this inspires you all to be great!
                                                                                Peace,
                                                                                        Brentwood Slim

Moment 4 Life

What's Up World,
                          It's been a while since we've connected. I've been kind of busy working on creative things. With that said, today I'm here to introduce my FIRST music video ever. It's a cover to Nicki Minaj's Moment 4 Life, and we filmed on Hollywood Blvd. What I like about it is that things are actually happening behind me as I'm passing through these people. I had allot of fun working on it, and I'll be posting more original work in the future.
                                                                        Enjoy,
                                                                               Brentwood Slim

What's Going On

What's Going On World,
                                       So allot has happened, since last we met. I just thought I would post this video in light of everything that's happening in our country right now. I was a little unsure how to feel about people celebrating. We've killed an individual, not the movement! For only love can conquer hate.
                                                                                   Enjoy,
                                                                                         Brentwood Slim

ME AGAIN

What's Going On World,
                                        It's been a while since I've given you some of my music, so I thought today would be a good day. This is a cover of YG's Toot it and Boot it, and it's just my idea of what it means. I hope you dig on it.
                                                                       'Til Next We Meet
                                                                                            Brentwood Slim
 

DOPE

What's Up World,
                          I just thought I would share this video of this incredible guitarist. His name is Jonathan Dubose Jr., and I'm not sure where he's from. This actually isn't the video I wanted to share, but I had some trouble uploading the other. Whatever the case, you'll still get a glimpse of how gifted this man is. Hope you enjoy it.
                                                                             Peace,
                                                                                  Brentwood Slim

THE COMPROMISE

What's Up World,
                           I believe that we all have the potential to be as great as we want to be, but there's always that ONE thing that holds you back. If you could overcome that one thing you would be soaring. Consider this, sometimes the very thing you feel you "can't live without" is, actually, what's holding you back. Pay attention to what life is giving you, and know that sometimes you have to take a step back in order to see the FULL picture. I don't know what all of this means, I just want you all to give it some thought.
                                                                              'Til Next Time
                                                                                            Brentwood Slim

Jazze Belle

What's Up World,
                        I just thought I would give you all some great music to listen to. This song is called Jazze Belle by OutKast ft. Babyface. It's one of those classic hip hop songs that alot of people may have looked over, because this recording actually didn't make the album. I'm referring to "ATliens" , OutKast's second album, which dropped in 1996. I was 8. Wow! Hope you enjoy it.
                                                                         Peace,
                                                                               Brentwood Slim

BEEF

                                                                      
What's Happening World,
                                       I just wanted to take the time to share my thoughts on this. I think Hip Hop Beef is  ridiculous. Here's why I feel this way. We're all from the bottom ( ghetto, projects, hood, whatever), and when you're from those places you're looking for a means to get out. For allot of hip hop artists,  music was the gateway out of those harsh circumstances. When you've been given an opportunity to have a voice, do what you love doing, and make substantial amounts of money, why would you ever jeopardize that based on what another man said about you? I mean, you could literally end up right back where you started if you  consume yourself with foolishness. Furthermore, people die when beef is legitimate. So what have we done? Perpetuated false ideas of who black people are,  and influenced the youth in a negative light. Make the music! Touch peoples' lives. Connect to peoples' hearts, in order to change the world. Love is stronger than Fear, but you have to make a choice.
                                                                    Peace
                                                                        Brentwood Slim

Sharay Reed

What's Up World,
                          I just thought that I would share this video with you all. I'm a fan of talented musicians, and I happened to come across this incredible bass player. His name is Sharay Reed from Chicago. He has a very clean "pocket" (the ability to play within an ensemble, without being a distraction to the overall sound) and he just grooves. I hope you enjoy it.
                                                                        'Til Next Time
                                                                                         Brentwood Slim

Talent vs Work Ethic

                                
What's Up World,
                          I just wanted to talk about this, because it's been on my heart lately. I know so many talented people in the world. I mean, artists who are exceptional at what they do. But it seems like the older I'm getting the more I'm realizing that talent does NOT mean a person has strong work ethic. In fact, it seems like I'm at a place where the most talented people, have the weakest work ethic. I've always been an advocate for hard work, because that's what separates you from everyone else. That's what pushes you past the people with  incredible natural ability. If you're more talented, but I work harder than I WIN. Period. I say that, because so many times talent can be used as a crutch. You know you're talented so you don't work. I want people to know that Strong Work Ethic = Consistency. Your ability to be strong in your gift over and over again. And we all know, people can't doubt you when you're consistent. So I challenge every artist to develop a passion for WORK, and watch what it does to your talent.
                                                                           Peace
                                                                               Brentwood Slim

LAUGH MAN

What's Going on World,
                                   I told you all I would be giving updates of my work, so that you could become more familiar with me as an artist. This clip is not exactly "the work" but we just decided to make a video in character. I was working on August Wilson's Fences, which is an incredible play if you haven't seen it. So this is just a little something to brighten your day.
                                                                             Peace
                                                                                  Brentwood Slim

My Favorite Painting

What's Up World,
                          I just wanted to share this picture with you all. It's my favorite piece of art right now. It's called "Crying Boy" by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh. One of my good friends seems to think that it's too literal, but I think, whatever is in this kid's eyes is REAL. It reflects a human struggle to "stay" alive, and the harsh realities of living. I was drawn to it, the first time I saw it, so I thought I would share. What are your thoughts?
                                                               'Til Next Time,
                                                                                Brentwood Slim

WORDS OF WISDOM

Hello World,
                  I just thought I would drop a few lines to motivate people to make responsible decisions. If you know that you have an interview tomorrow morning, don't drink tonight! Period. You may run the risk of waking up drunk, and ruining your opportunity to get money.
                                                                                Peace,
                                                                                    Brentwood Slim

So Hip Hop

What's Going On World,
                                     I realized today that you guys don't know much about me as an artist, so from time to time I'll be posting some of my work. I've been rapping for about 5 years now, and I just have fun with it. I'm into keeping it as truthful as possible. This is a freestyle from the popular "What's My Name" by Rihanna. I hope you dig it!
                                                Brentwood Slim

The Fountain of Youth

What's Happening World,
                                       So I have a little secret. People want to know how to live forever. They want to know how to lead long, healthy lives. Well it's really simple. Dieting & Exercise! When I say dieting I don't mean taking a break from eating certain things, but creating a routine of eating balanced meals. I know that's super difficult. Trust me, I have trouble too but it's important. And as much as we don't like to do it, you MUST exercise. Have a little run in the morning, or pick up a Power90 Dvd. Whatever the case you need to get some physical things going, besides what's happening in the sheets. High Blood Pressure and Sugar Diabetes is so prominent in the black community, because we don't do these things. We want Popeyes instead of Subway and we rather watch t.v. then throw in a workout tape. It's simple. Grab a hold to it, and I guarantee you'll be happier!
                                                                    Till Next Time,
                                                                                          Brentwood Slim

Novacane

What's Up World,
                            I just wanted to post this video, because it's my favorite song right now.  I'm still trying to figure out the story that the lyrics are telling, but the melody is incredible. I wish they played this kind of stuff on the radio. When I talk about art that inspires, this is what I mean!
                                                                                Enjoy,
                                                                                     Brentwood Slim
                                                                                            

Happiness vs. Money

Hello World,
                       I'm at it again. I just thought that I would talk about this, because it's been on my mind. Is life about money or happiness? I'm interested in peoples' thoughts about this, because I just want to know what people think. I think it's about happiness. I mean money certainly makes things easier, but you can be rich and have poor health. I just feel that money is talked about like it's this life changing thing. Sure it can change your circumstance, but not your character. If you're bitter when you're broke, you'll be bitter when you have money. Who cares if you make $1.5 million a year if you hate walking in the door everyday. I just want people to discover what it is that gets them going. The one thing that makes them light up an entire room. When you tap into that, you'll probably live forever.
                                                                                       Peace
                                                                                         Brentwood Slim

ART INSPIRES

Hello World,
                    It's Brentwood Slim. This is my first time blogging. I used to think that this was a lame thing to do, but I actually dig on it now. I titled this blog "art inspires" because that's what great art does. When I think of some of my favorite rappers, singers, and actors I'm always motivated to create after watching them work. It makes me want to grind harder. It makes me want to bring all of my creative ideas to the light. The crazy thing though, is lately I haven't felt that way at all. It's like I don't see work that inspires me to be better anymore. I'm not moved by what's on the radio and I haven't seen any new movies that make me go home and think about things. I know everyones like "watch old movies" or "stop complaining" but this is something that's important though. I feel that as humans we should always be moving forward, and seek truth over gimmick. I just miss real experiences. When you hear a song and it takes you somewhere because you know that it came from a real place. Not just to get on the radio. Or movies with storylines that have depth and not just beautiful women, cars, and fights. So I guess I'm just challenging anyone who's an artist to dig deeper.
                                                                 'Til Next Time
                                                                       Brentwood Slim