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