No more The Paperboy

Back on the bus.. The AM. I've now spent two thirds of this baby-faced blogs life confined to the bus. And that's a shame. Thing is, overtime incentive's at work tempt me. That's one thing hip-hop will engrain in your brain. Get your money. Those Benjamin Franklin's. That Paper.. And so sometimes I get caught up, in what I have come to think of as blind effort. Head down, grinding, without taking the time to look around and see what's up.

On today's ride, I have my nose in the Oct/Nov edition of The Source Magazine. My first as it happens (only really widely available in the US). Specifically, an interview with Busy Bee. The Number One Chief Rocker. Bronx MC from the late 70s and pioneer of Hip-Hop culture. The first ever solo MC. Prior to him, emcees were recognised only by the crews they were associated with. Going solo was a crazy man's plan.

At the same time, in my ears, Ryan Leslie - I Gets Money. Set to be on repeat for the rest of the day.. Last night having found a video of a studio session of him making the beat and laying the lyrics (link at the close). Leslie does it all. The self titled, Black Mozart. And deservedly so if you ask me. Student at Harvard at just 15. Graduated by 19 in Government & Economics. And unbelievably, never had a lesson in playing any musical instrument in his life. A genuinely astonishing existence to date.

You wouldn't be surprised to see him neighbouring Busy Bee in The Source. And yet, you can't confine him to the Hip-Hop music box. His, is one of a kind grind and style. Drop him a line if you like.. tel:602-888-6978 or perhaps for Brits like myself, an email might be more cost effective.. ryan@renegadesnyc.com .. I've never known of an artist to make themselves as accessible as R.Les. Les is, most definitely, more.

It's this pair then who have monopolised my morning attention. Both linked by a characteristic drive to do what they want. MC. Produce beats. I'm slowly picking up the lyrics with each loop. And with each repeat, wondering why I'm offering up more minutes just for a few extra bucks in the bank. 60+ hour weeks. Because that is literally all I'm getting out of the current situation. Bucks. 

Les & Bee have brought my head above the surface again. Temporary fixes have become permanent fixtures. Brainwashed by the hip-hop constitution - Get Rich or Die Tryin'. 2015 may not be too far away, but why wait? No more working through breaks and lunches. Arriving early and staying late. For the companies for which I work, at least. That's valuable time. Now, time to do and not merely earn.

So everyday's a school day, and today's lesson was delivered by the Harvard Graduate. Now, I'll be "..damned if I spend my whole life chasing money man! I'll let the money chase me, don't hate, let the boy play! Ayyye!"

http://youtu.be/bd4h8xSKpCg