In the Proce$$ of Writing a Legend

2012-01-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

Affiliations were never a secret

2012-01-25T23:11:00.000-08:00

Grateful for another year

In The Proce$$ of Writing a Legend

F*ck I Look Like?

2012-01-25T22:16:00.001-08:00

2012-01-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

When it comes to friendship
I guess it is natural to drift apart
For we never really were in the same boat
We just were on same sea
Never to see each other again

In the Proce$$ of Writing a Legend

2012-01-16T15:29:00.001-08:00

2012-01-12T16:31:00.001-08:00

#RichForever

2012-01-09T18:59:00.001-08:00

Shortstop by Amos Bazelais

2012-01-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

An old friend got some skills. Clearly, this is the work of a professional.

Be sure to check out the comic here

2012-01-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

In the Proce$$ of Writing a Legend

2011-12-26T00:22:00.001-08:00

#LifeInstructions

2011-12-24T02:59:00.001-08:00

2011-12-23T01:34:00.001-08:00

2011-12-23T01:32:00.000-08:00

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

2011-12-14T23:41:00.000-08:00

Its 2011, but for some of us, it is still 1968

Many of us are like Martin Luther King Jr. We all have a dream. But, some dreams are bigger than us. Like MLK, you can die before you get to see a dream come into fruition.

Think about it

Are you chasing a dream? Or are you chasing time?

In the Proce$$ of Writing a Legend

2011-12-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

If I would have told the truth, would the outcome have been any different?

2011-12-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

2011-12-02T00:17:00.000-08:00

Love doesn't break hearts. People do. Don't get it confused. Don't give up on love. That is, if you really know what it means. I'm afraid, I won't be able to tell you because I don't know what it is....

2011-12-02T00:11:00.001-08:00

Keep your money and your 'friends' separate

2011-12-02T00:07:00.001-08:00

MY APOLOGIES

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Your eyes are red
Either you have been crying or you have been smoking
Knowing your pain
I know your choice
Darnell Smith a choice
Darnell Smith your pain
I can't help but apologize
Its in my character
But that's what you no longer love
A writer who puts his feelings on paper
That's my choice
Deal with it
You can't force yourself to respect it
Because you don't respect me
Its all good; no hard feelings
I mean no bad feelings
I removed them and put it on the paper I write on
So don't be embarrassed
And think about what others may think
For your character isn't the thing that changed
It was mine
Like a letter from lower to upper case
Its noticeably different
The growth was necessary
The lesson needed to be taught
I just hope you understand
This is my public apology
But when was anything regarding us private?

STILL GOT IT

2011-11-27T01:29:00.000-08:00

We have been wasting time
My time you want and its my time you couldn't get
And my time you won't get
Because with that time, I lose a dollar
A dollar I never spent on you
Remember?
When you had your chance to make your point?
You told me to forget it
At the time I had nothing to say
And whatever you wanted to say you didn't
So this is the conversation we never had
It could've been the best we ever had
For the first time it would've been honest
But when you put yourself and your lies in first place
The truth, my feelings and everything else comes second
To last
Or last
Not that it even mattered to begin with
So its like starting the race and seeing it finish at the same time
The sound of a gunshot
Or running through some tape
More like a ribbon
Because the girl who has a foul taste for fashion
Was the one coordinating the whole run
So I still got it
Feelings for you
And the skill to put my feelings on paper
The pressure you continuously put me under
I still got it
The strength to forgive you
I still got it
And the want to still be friends
I still got it

I still got it....for you

Crayons

2011-09-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

You all have low attention spans
And nothing better to do with yourselves
So I'm giving you crayons
To keep you busy
So take these colors
And draw the picture of my soul
You say you know me
So I am expecting you to know what it looks like
Or maybe you don't
But you are refusing to admit it
So instead draw whats on your heart
I will not be surprised if it isn't a picture of me
I'm just caught up in the colors of characters
They aren't what I thought they were
So I'm just going to accept it
And stop coloring with the blues
And start focusing with the greens

Dad The Magician

2011-09-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

My dad must have been one great guy
The world was his stage
And he made a show out of me
He taught me how to be a man
But was never around to do it
A magic trick
He pulled some broken promises out of his hat
Pulled a Houdini
And disappeared
How or why I will never know
Simply because magicians never tell their secrets
Even to their biggest fans
So how did you do it dad?
I've waited years to know
Out of 21 years I've learned to lower my expectations
So its is not your fault
Shit, its is who you are
My Dad the Magician

Lovegames

2011-08-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

In your game I could never win
So I didn't
And all that time
Someone else was playing
So you let him win
I got beaten by him
But ultimately played by you
It was two against one
That shit wasn't fair
I never stood a chance
That's how it is with love I guess
We never stand a chance
The lovegame
And my friends told me this

I just never listened
They said love is a science
Its all rooted in chemistry
We just couldn't make it work
But see I was experimenting
With a girl
Who I thought was a woman
Who I thought was mature
Someone I could see myself with in the future
But the future came faster than I thought
And one day I got my heart broken
So now I'm here today
The day I thought would see a us
But its just me alone
Thinking of you
Yesterday
And most likely tomorrow
But who isn't
Because you're lovable
Sweet like candy
Kissable
Huggable
But that was who you portrayed yourself to be
So I never truly knew who you were
I learned these things after the fact
Through the pain
And through the sight of watching you with someone else
For you it was never that serious
But my emotions were

So its that
And you're still you
I called you for your birthday
Just to be civil
And see how you were doing
I mean
We haven't spoken in a while
And I thought you would've use that time to change
But you had alternative motives
Back from when we first met
Till two weeks ago
But you never answered
I got curved
I called from my blackberry
You were probably celebrating with him

So to you the winner
Watch your pockets
And don't spend all your money on her
You may not have the money to buy love the next time around
The change adds up
I'm broke and lonely
A single or a dime
A single spent on someone who I thought was a dime
A single spent for a dime
So I'll burn it
And attempt to forget who she was
We never shared the weed
But we shared a few memories
Now they're all rotten
Like a bitten apple
And one person has already had a bite
I just never saw it happen

Conversations

2011-08-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

I've been told I got the potential
Skill with a pen and some paper
I just haven't been able to ink a deal
That's the problem
And I talk to God for an answer
Its just that he never responds
Sometimes I don't get it
We are supposed to have frequent conversation
But whats calling on the man above
When all you get is his voice-mail
You never know if you're being recorded
But you can always pray that you're being heard
But that's all it is
Prayer
That's all it ever was
Just a prayer

So with no answer
I attempt to answer my own questions
I tell myself it is not the right time
But when is it ever wrong?
Maybe it's not good enough?
But when you put your heart in your shit
How is it anything less than that?
These are the conversations
About a calling
About my future
Conversations involving my heart and my mind
They both want what is best for me
And I can deal with that
Because I'm pretty sure that nobody else does
So I just stand in between the two
And acknowledge the fact that I have to pick a side
And then have the other walk away
So my heart parachuted out of my chest
Left the place it once called home
Where the heart was
Its a tragedy like Titanic
Abandon ship
It left me cold and heartless
Never to return again
I'm stuck in the cold world
Without the presence of a warm heart
I always thought I was the runner
But it seems like I was wrong
My heart had a twitter
I just never followed it

The Sleepwalkers

2011-07-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Someone taught us that you have to be sleeping in order to have a dream.

They were wrong.

We keep it moving. One step at a time. However slow, however fast. We rarely sleep, but we always dream.

Wherever we may be going, wake us up when we get there. The Sleepwalkers

In the Proce$$ of Writing a Legend

The Runners

2011-07-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

We are all headed somewhere. Whether it is to a place we choose or do not choose to go, we are all headed somewhere. If you are like us, you are running from something. Pain derives from the past. Pain derives from people.

For us, walking away from it all was not enough…..

If you are a runner and plan to chase your dreams, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You, like us, may be running for a while…..

From one thing to something better. The Runners

In the Proce$$ of Writing a Legend

Enough Already

2011-07-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know how much more I can go on
About this topic
When the fact is already clear
We aren't meant to be together
So I'm holding onto something I never had
A dime who I wanted to be my woman
But for what its worth
It was for the best
For me that is
But not for us
Because it was all about you
I still think we should be more than what we are
And less of what we were
Strangers who just knew eacother's name
Its like grabbing air
And holding on really tight
You can't feel a thing
But you know its there
And then you open your hand
And you never see it disappear
Whats more interesting is the fact that you haven't realized anything
Or maybe you have
And you just ignore me
Like you have done everyone else
So have I become everyone else?
Would I be a liar if I told you I wasn't?
But they have all said that
Yeah
We are all the same
Because we want the same woman
Just for different reasons

Voicemail

2011-07-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

And I just listened to your voice mail
To remind myself about how stupid I was
For not making a move when I had the chance
Chess pieces
Kings and Queens
Broken hearts
And now there is an empty checker board
Because the game is over
But it unfortunately never started
I tried to convince myself'
That this lack of contact
Would make our friendship stronger
Its a bond
That no longer has any interest
So we can no longer can profit from it
And I guess it was bound to happen
Its funny because we are so close in proximity
But distant in conversation
So I'm the asshole
Because I said this would happen
This isn't a I told you so
Because honestly I still miss you though
I wondered why we could never hang out
I wasn't sure
It just seemed like you wanted something with no strings attached

Disney World

2011-07-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Life is a playground
Disney World
A lot of characters
All people in costume
Its a land of fairytale
That has too many Beasts
And not enough Beauties
The land of happiness
A place where dreams come true
Ironically is a land of fiction
Where lies are sold for a dollar
Just for a memory that would last a lifetime
And here I stand
In a world in of magical creatures
Where everybody lies
And everybody steals
And everyone is a criminal
Because they aren't being themselves
Life has always been a sitcom
Not on the Disney Channel
But on the USA Network instead
Unfortunately everyone is a character
And they all have one thing in common
They are all acting

Brooklyn

2011-06-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

We are so far away
Yet our feelings are so close
To each other
Because we are friends
And we want the best for us
But love is selfish
And I want whats best for me
So I want you
But you want just a friend
Unfortunately
Therefore I will have to love you from a distance
Friends
School
Obligations
Get in the way
So I cannot reach you
But you also got barriers
And worries about our friendship
If we take the risk
And do the unthinkable
To give me the keys to your heart

Smokey Mirrors (In Progress)

2011-06-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

When you look at yourself in the morning
I hope you are proud of what you see
But it must be impossible to see anything
When you allow your lies to cloud the mirrors
I cannot see past your makeup
And I'm not talking about genetics
I'm talking about simply being yourself
Yet you make it look so difficult
Not that it matters
Because you have beautiful eyes
But its overshadowed with too much eyeliner
Its flawed vision
An incorrect judgement of character
Especially when the crime is fraud
And then you complain that you cannot find a man
I do not know
I just hope you give someone a chance
But she is a weed smoker with high standards
It is an expensive high
That comes with a free fall
In love
So she has been resisting
To focus on getting her degree
She's lonely
Determined to get this green
But she is still single
So she got the blues
And this is the girl that I want
But yet she is the woman that I cant have

My Feature w/ Voice4Society Campaign

2011-06-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Voice4Society is a worldwide campaign to advocate on behalf of those who have lost their voice due to political unrest, loss of support, or even loss of hope. Here is an interview I did for the campaign. Check it out after the jump

I know who you are but could you tell me about yourself?
I am an artist with an addiction to success. I am a forward thinker with a backwards past. Sometimes I can be a human being, just like you.

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from life itself. At one point its so sure and then at another, it can become so unclear. I’ve grown up being very observant. I know this cycle. I’ve watched it in others and I’ve watched it in myself.

In The Process of Writing a Legend…. History / Background ?
I started Writing a Legend in 2009 at a very premature time. It had no purpose and it had no direction. It has now begun to mean the documentation of a story which I someday hope will be called legendary. It is my process. It is my legend. Yet, it is a process; it just doesn’t happen overnight. My two biggest fears are failing to reach my goals and to be alone. I don’t want to be so focused on success that I miss the opportunity to spend the rest of my life with the girl of my dreams. I’m searching for a balance between these two warring concepts. To me, Writing a Legend means everything. It is more than just a description of what I’m doing, but it is a state of mind. It’s the mindframe that your story is already a legend and nothing less.

Who is your role model?
I really do not have any role models. However, I am, inspired by those who are trying to get ahead. I don’t believe in role-models because perfection doesn’t exist. To call someone a role model is to say that they set the right example, all the time. Again, nobody is perfect.

What is your definition of success?
This honestly is a tough question. Success is such a subjective term and it can mean anything to anybody. I have started defining it as a slow moving process that is measured through progress. I think it requires one to stop what they are doing and look at how far they have come. As for me, I am not ready to stop what I’m doing to turn around and look back

Why does success mean so much to you?
For me, its all about never settling. I honestly envy those who wake up every morning fully content about their lives. I want that sh**!!!

What do you think is the reason so many young people are struggling career-wise?
Honestly, I don’t know. I think we make a huge mistake by undermining the power of our dreams. It sounds cliché, but think about it. If you love something, you put your all into it. When your all is into it, you make quality product and quality product produces quality compensation. I think young people need to find their passion and put their all into it. I sometimes think that young people are afraid to work hard too. Nobody is no longer patient. This is a world about instant gratification and we need things “now”. We need that new laptop “now”. We need those new Jordans “now”. Likewise, we need success “now”. What then would be the purpose of a dream?

So, what are you doing to help this generation?
Unfortunately nothing that is getting me to a bigger platform so I could help others

Closing advice to your readers?
Write your legend or fail trying

Check out the campaign here. All positivity....

Imperfections

2011-06-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

I never said I was perfect

Some of your role models have had or currently have imperfections. They have been involved in cheating scandals, controversies, drug addictions, bad habits, etc. We judged them, yet we continue to hold them on a pedestal for they would not be your role models. So, here it is, some of my imperfections. No need to convey your disappointment, you might as well keep it. Keep judging me. It does not change the fact that I still have the desire to succeed and that I will keep pursuing happiness (whatever that may mean).

Unfortunately, these things will have to be documented as I continue to write a story which I hope will someday be called a legend. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what hypocrisy looks like.

And yes, I know the picture is blurred. It is not a mistake.....

I.....

2011-06-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

I'm not tripping because I lost you
I'm tripping because I had you
Oh I stand corrected
I tripped
When I fell for you
And thats the thing about love
You realize your mistakes after you've made them
I lost my soul
I've gained another lesson
Class over
The game is done
Checkmate
The King got checked
By a Queen
But her name was __________

Hung Up

2011-05-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

Love is a game
A world of warcraft
Nobody said it would be fair
That's why boys and girls cheat
They play to dominate emotion
In her game I was just a character
Available when necessary
Someone she knew from the beginning
Genesis
No Sega
But she preferred her ex box
In between her sessions with him
We played phone tag
Our conversations often interrupted
Misread signal
Lost service
Placed blame on the provider
The waiter sprinting to deliver a dial tone
She hung up
We lost connection
May be she was uncommitted
May be I was just too sure
Nothing left to see but a question
We were both playing games
Its just that mine ends in a suicide of the emotion
The cutting of a loved one
I will hang myself
With the strings she didn't want attached
If you call
I won't respond
I am a little hung up

Several Years Later

2011-05-10T03:03:00.000-07:00

"This pome is for you
I hope you love it
L is for all the love you got
O is for some of your words
V is for all your vegatables
E your work is excelent
Thanks giving
Your kisses are sooth
I love you very much and I love you very very much"

Several years later, nothing has changed

The Airplane Boys - Where've You Been

2011-05-10T02:43:00.000-07:00

The Toronto-based duo The Airplane Boys finally drop their “Where’ve You Been” project, with 12 tracks including original hits “Gold Ribbons”, “Escape”, as well as “Born to Be”, which samples Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs”.

Download here

via 1LOVETO

In Light of Recent Events

2011-05-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

Osama Bin Laden

Via @LilDuval

Brace Yourself

2011-04-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

Beautiful

4:23AM

2011-04-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

Chasing dreams became a game of darts
At 4:23am he played with a pistol
And at 4:23am I became a target
He patted my pockets
Then emptied my wallet
He took the cash I had
My bank cards
The money I worked hard to chase
All of the bills
Presidents of the past
My own piece of American history
And for 43 dollars, he had 7 three bullets
Chances were I was unlucky
It wasn't robbery
I gave him permission
No signature
No slip of paper
I was robbed of all that I had
I compliment him
It was the perfect crime
It had the perfect victim
A defenseless dream chaser who no longer gave a f***
I thought it was all over
I was ready to be six feet under
I really just wanted to sleep
And in such a cold world
Hell didn't seem like such a bad place

S/O to Photo Will of LostInTheWillderness & Rob Lee

Targets

2011-04-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

We get shot
We bleed
We die
For appreciating the luxuries of life
Freedom of speech
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of the press
And freedom to have a dream
One nightmare
Three bullets
Rest in peace
Dream well

Hi There!

2011-04-26T02:29:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I've spent the last few hours trying to figure out how I could make this site more about the brand. What I decided is that many of the posts I upload should not be here in respects to the purposes of the site. Thus, I have decided to create my own personal tumblr. It will be more of my own personal feelings and something very different from what you are typically use to seeing. Check it out and let me know what you think...

Thanks

All the best,

Darnell

Money Eyes

2011-04-26T02:20:00.000-07:00

Just because she is a dime doesn't mean that she isn't two-faced

Glory (Official Music Video)

2011-04-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Ryan Leslie...

XO

2011-04-19T00:48:00.000-07:00

The Morning - The Weeknd

XO

Rain

2011-04-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

If you are always in a hurry to escape the rain, how will ever take the time to appreciate the sunshine?

Empty Bed

2011-04-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

We slept together
My dreams were about US
Her dreams were about HIM
Goodnight love

30STM- Closer to the Edge

2011-04-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

I think this is what "passion" looks like...

Assume With Care

2011-04-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

The bigger the heart
The easier it breaks
It is the strongest muscle
Yet the most fragile of them all
To break it
Is to break the law
In an act of passion
Easier to be called a love crime
Men are somehow the dogs
Because females always play the victim
Scenes of a love film
Always ending in cardiac arrest
Take your time to heal a broken heart
Open wounds may lead to an infection
Assume with care
If you intend to make an ass of me
Please be courteous and do it with care

XO

It Must Be Nice

2011-04-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Old Song; Timeless message

The Legends League - Trailer

2011-03-30T01:54:00.000-07:00

The Legends League is a Toronto-born brand created by artist, designer and writer, Bryan Espiritu. Fueled by his life experiences and passion for brutally honest representation, he has built a young and powerful following for his artwork, written work and clothing line, “IDEALL”. “The Legends League: a film by Eighteen Eighty”, reveals the most candid pieces of a man who built his life around a brand about his life.

I cannot wait to see the finished product. This is probably one of the hardest working and most creative persons I know.

Check him out here

Congrats Be.

Rocking Chairs

2011-03-30T01:38:00.000-07:00

We Still Have Work to Do

2011-03-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

These last few months have been full of challenges. Some days I've been floating on top of the world. Other days, I felt like I never existed on it. As with every passing day, I have learned a great deal and I thank you. I thank you for my failures, my accomplishments, the direction and everything else in between. With that said, more work has to be done. That not only includes me, my work ethic, out team effort and our relationship as well. But I am willing to work through whatever issues we may have for I cannot succeed without you.

I spoke to Grandma today. She is concerned about how I am mistreating my body. She says I need to sleep more and take more time off. Realistically we both know that is impossible as there is work that needs to be done.

By any means necessary

At home, I am the last one in and usually the first one out. It saddens me that after all these years, I still have not been able to properly manage my time. Maybe it is just me taking on too much. In the back of my mind, I know I need to cut back but is it truly my fault that I cannot help it. Its a given fact, but I blame you. You made me so ambitious. Regardless, I am not doing this to blame you. If there is anyone to blame it is myself.

I wonder how Dad is doing. My brother says that he often asks about me. As much as he may think about me, I think about him. As easy as it is to contemplate the feelings I have towards him, the harder it is to actually forgive him. It is easy to get his number. I can call him whenever I like. Yet, I wouldn't know what to talk to him about. I can brag about my accomplishments and all the great things I'm doing, but with him missing from my life for all these years, I don't think I am willing to play a game of catch-up. I just do not have the time and patience for that.

Anyway, I really wanted to able to attend a few open mics and showcases. It never happened. I wanted to release a book. It never happened. Its whatever. In due time it'll all happen.

So we still have work to do. Hopefully, everyone will soon understand what it was worth; what it was for. I hope one day it will inspire others. Lets keep this thing going and deal the best way we know how....

Its me and you like it always was. Lets make it work!

Fundamentals

2011-03-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah

Via CocoandLowe

Best Day Ever

2011-03-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

Make sure you download Mac Miller's latest mixtape Best Day Ever

Listen to the full tape here

Vocabulary

2011-03-19T04:28:00.000-07:00

I don't expect "success" to be apart of your vocabulary if words like "can't" and "impossible" still exist

Tapeworms

2011-03-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

I have a tapeworm inside my stomach
She is the source of my pain
She eats away at my insides
She nibbles on my intestine
Ive been awake at night
Sleeping less
Eating more
Yet I have not gained any weight
The fact that you arent happy is eating me on the inside
It is a tapeworm named after your sadness

.......

The Rain Mood

2011-03-19T00:51:00.000-07:00

I love to write to instrumentals. I love to live to music. Here is something to make everything better: The Rain Mood

I just thought I should share it...
Listen here

Enjoy...

Think....

2011-03-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

The minute you waste to bad mouth the reputation of another is another minute you waste to build up your own

Time Management

2011-03-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

This life has to be more than time management
When there is no time
What is there to manage?
Its 12:20am
And this cigar is still burning
So I flicker my ashes
And I slowly release everything I inhaled
My thoughts are lost in smoke
Very much like the memories of yesterday
The past is the past
Unchangeable
But I wish I could go back
Before the broken promises
Before the unanswered emails
Before the unresponsive text messages
Before the missed calls
Now they are ignored
And after I get voicemails
Where are you?
Whats going on?
See, they all have questions
And I lack answers
Its just too much to search for the truth
And I'm honestly too busy trying to find myself
Amidst the smoke
And amidst the work
So I prefer to keep it a secret
Between Me, Myself and I
Because Dad has never been there
And Mommy has her own issues
Yet my attempts are unsuccessful
Because parents will never understand
And you can never be accepted as a whole
With a half of parent
And another half of judgment
Of how I'm selfish
Too career oriented
And how I need to slow down
But this shit isn't easy

Nobody said chasing dreams was

Flight

2011-03-07T23:49:00.000-08:00

My words become planes. They take flight. Always above your head

#LifeAboveTheClouds

Never Marry a Musian

2011-03-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

This album is pretty smooth. Download it free @ www.nevermarryamusician.com

S/O to TPK

Waiting Outside the Lines

2011-03-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

Greyson Chance

Keep Running

2011-03-02T22:51:00.000-08:00

Chase YOUR dreams as if NOTHING else matters
#RunWithMe

Heartbreak: A Natural Disaster

2011-02-20T02:27:00.000-08:00

Heartbreak just so happens to be like a natural disaster; it happens. And although we don't wish it upon anyone else, we are always grateful that it happened to someone else and not us. The worst part is, some people never manage to rebuild their lives after it takes place

Consider it a blessing. There is still F.E.M.A
A Friend Enacting a Miracle from Above

God Bless

A Late Christmas Gift

2011-02-20T02:09:00.000-08:00

Christ came
But mas was left
I still had another gift
So I took off my shirt
To show her the patch on my chest
I saved my change
I gathered some quarters
Smoked a few nickels
I ignored the dimes
But I had ones
And I underwent a surgery
And had my heart removed
Placed in a green box
And wrapped in red ribbon
I gave it to her
I told her to cherish it
To guard it
To protect it
To own it
Simply because her name was engraved on it
But my dumbass couldn't afford a warranty
I had hopes that she wouldn't break it
But I wasn't sure she would
And nor was she
She was wild
Sometimes reckless
A little uncommitted
And not good enough for me
So she didn't want it
She didn't want to risk it
She couldn't guarantee that it would be safe
Love was an around the clock duty
A full-time job she didn't want
I begged for her to accept
I argued for her to try
I pleaded for her to stop refusing
And she didn't
The holidays had come and gone
Just like the promises she once made
It was the price I paid
There are no refunds on love
A business with no receipts
Nothing to document a memory
Pictures become worthless
Expensive dates loose value
Time is money
And I just didn't have enough
So all I have is a boxed heart
An empty chest
And empty pockets
If I tried to sell my heart
I doubt anyone would buy it
You cant put a cost on a good heart
There are price tags
There are warranties
And luckily there are payment plans
And that's my plan
My heart is layed away
Hopefully till next year
Maybe when she is ready
But love is patient
And no longer am I

Kanye West - All of the Lights (VIDEO)

2011-02-20T00:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite songs from the album
Directed by Hype Williams

Thoughts?

LoveLOVE vs. HateLOVE Mixtape

2011-02-14T23:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day...
Download here

Courtesy of Nahright

A Letter For You

2011-02-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

My friends,

I started this brand "In the Process of Writing a Legend" a little over a year ago to promote something that I honestly was very unclear of. As I begin to become more clear of what this brand is, I am unfortunately beginning to promote it less. In any case, this brand is something I call my own. It is original and I am very proud of what it is thus far. I do not write for views/popularity. I do not sit and think of shit to say; I do not have time for that. I do this for me as it is theurapuetic. These are my experiences that I hope you can relate to as I, like you, am human. Otherwise, there would be no point in sharing. As I try to manage the many things I have going on in my life, I will try my best to manage this site more. I realize the potential this site has I have been presented with offers for growth, etc. I do thank you all for your support in whatever way it has been shown. As always, I wish you all the best.

Gravity only exist to keep your feet on the ground. Keep your heads up!

Much love and respect
Darnell Smith

Love, Love, Love

2011-02-10T00:14:00.001-08:00

As Tall As Lions

A Mixtape by Future the Prince Vol. 3

2011-02-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

Future the Prince, Drake's Official DJ, just released another mixtape. It is pretty good. Check it out here

Showtime!

2011-02-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

Drama is for the actors. Please act accordingly

Blessings

2011-02-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

Consider everything as a blessing. A broken heart grants you an opportunity to rebuild it and make it stronger than ever before.

Devil in a New Dress - Rick Ross

2011-01-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of RapRadar

Imagine

2011-01-25T21:25:00.000-08:00

Children have dreams and a sense of imagination
Adults have dreams, but a sense of reality
By all means, cherish your youth

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-01-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

"Drinking some sh** I can't pro-nounc-iate"

Diversity

2011-01-22T01:42:00.000-08:00

What do you think?

Via 1LOVETO

Drake - Fireworks (House Edit)

2011-01-16T20:44:00.000-08:00

Very deep. I think I can write something to this...

The Rolex

2011-01-16T20:28:00.000-08:00

Watch what you say and say what you mean. Like wasted time, it cannot be taken back..

Beauty & The Beast

2011-01-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

Life is a fairytale. There are beauties and there are beasts. Maybe if you believe, you just may live "Happily Ever After...

No Interruptions Podcasts

2011-01-13T18:39:00.000-08:00

Presented by DJ Spoonz. No need for a description. Just download...

Download here

Thanks to HustleGRL for putting me on

Josh Groban x Jimmy Kimmel

2011-01-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

This is a must have album for 2011 haha

Windows Registry Toolkit App

2011-01-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

This is a must have for anyone who has a laptop, netbook or pc. See below for the product description

Windows Registry Toolkit Application offers easy-to-use optimization tools to speed up and improve the stability of your Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP PC. Regardless of your level of expertise, Windows Registry Toolkit Application safely cleans, repairs, and optimizes the registry and automatically backs up changes for future recovery. Now includes essential tools to fix Windows security loopholes. Permanently erase your Internet activity, personal files, and free space to keep your information away from prying eyes.

If interested, you can purchase/download the program here

Quitters

2010-12-29T16:09:00.000-08:00

Yep...

Choices

2010-12-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

You can either make success the obligation or the option, You have and will always have a choice!

My Love on Paper

2010-12-29T07:55:00.000-08:00

All puns intended

Summer (In Progress)

2010-12-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

I was seeing summer
We were together for 3 months
I wish it were longer
I wish we were still together
But I never appreciated her
And I never took advantage of the time we had
In June we met
In July we got closer
And in August I got tired of her sh**
So she left me
To seek better
To be appreciated somewhere else
She took the sunshine
The heat
The passion
The humidity
And the happiness
But she left me with the cold
And now I got one
A heartbreak that has impaired my immune system
My nose runs with emotion
My body is weary
Maybe I am taking the wrong medication
There is calcium for strong bones
Vitamin C for the immune system
But there is nothing for a broken heart
F***

Writing Tip: Find Your Style

2010-12-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

It so important that you find your OWN style.

I like to write with short sentences. Thus, my thoughts are very concise and to the point. Maybe you may not feel comfortable doing this. Maybe you like to write with longer, drawn out sentences. Find your style and stick to it. By doing this, your writing will forever be recognizable.

In writing, always ask yourself, "whats the point?". Remember that the reader will not know how you are feeling unless it is directly stated. With that said, ask yourself continuously "why did I use this word" or something to that extent
Do not be afraid to edit, edit and do more editing. No writing is perfect. Just because you decided to say something one way does not mean that it is the best way to say it. However, do it the best way you can.

With that said, keep moving forward!

God bless

Picaso

2010-12-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

Via @KanyeWest

The Art of Daydreaming

2010-12-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was able to contact Aram Bedrossian, a photographer, film-maker, and musician who lives out in NYC. I am an avid reader of his blog called "The Art of Daydreaming" which can be checked out here. He was gracious enough to answer a few questions I had about his brand, his dreams, and his lifestyle. Check out the interview after the jump.

Also you can check out his documentary film "Life in a Daydream" here

Respect

Q. How did the "Art of Daydreaming" start?

A. I've always dreamt big; since the age of twelve, I have dreamt of being a grammy winning music producer, always going against the grain and chasing my dreams as an artist. Then last summer, I interned for video director TAJ Stansberry as an audio engineer for his documentary on rapper Fabolous. I flew everywhere with TAJ as have took me under his wing, and he is the reason why I have become a photographer and director. Around last October, TAJ started his blog, "sleeping on mars." He would blog about his work and about the things that inspired him; whether it was an old film or a Louis Vuitton clock, TAJ expressed the power of inspiration and creation via sleepingonmars.com. I read his blog everyday and was mesmerized by his honesty and cerebral interpretation of life's commodities; it made me want to look into my own mind and discover my own interpretation of everyday life. About a month later, "The Art of Daydreaming" was born.

Q. Considering the title of your brand, do you consider daydreaming to be an art/skill? Would you say that everyone has the ability to daydream?

A. Daydreaming isn't an art... it is inherent. That said, daydreaming has the power to drive someone to their absolute limits in a chase for whatever it is they daydream about; however, most people curb their daydreaming in fear of failure. That's why I always end my blog posts with "Never underestimate the power of daydreaming." Unless a person truly allows themselves to daydream and make themselves vulnerable to the consequences of chasing the "impossible," they will never know how far, or how much of an impact their daydreaming could have made on their lives. In short, daydreaming and DOING has the power and potential to make any dream a reality.

Q. I know that you do photography, music and videos, etc. Is there something that you are more passionate about?

A. My true passion is not photography, or production, or film-making; it is simply creating something out of nothing… creating "art." I started as a music producer/rapper, then switched my focus to video directing, then fashion photography… but as of late, I have tried to balance all three arts, as I have realized that my success in all three fields is tangible if I work hard enough. Whether it is a great record, editorial, or short film, each product results as an extension of my imagination, and as a result, prove equally satisfying.

Q. What does success mean to you?

A. Success is waking up every morning and being satisfied with the amount of work you have put in, with your social life, and with the life you lead; if you feel off track socially, financially, or mentally, then I believe you haven't achieved true success yet. After all, isn't the point of life to be happy?

Q. I know that you are pretty new to NYC. What is one thing that stands out about it?

A. New York is a city unlike any other in that anyone can make their wildest dreams come true in this city. Whether you want to be the best doctor, director, or school teacher, New York offers countless platforms for you to be the best at whatever it is that you want to succeed in. That characteristic has to be the most remarkable thing about New York and I don't think the same can be said about any other city on the planet.

Falling

2010-12-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

We agreed to play fair
But one day things got serious
She pushed me
And I tripped
So I stumbled
Then lost balance
And fell in love

But I got hurt
I bruised my knee
I got angry
I cried
I dusted myself off
And I ran home

I vowed never to go back
Never to play again
And yet I still got punished
For being disobedient
For being selfish
For dirtying my clothes
For ultimately falling too hard

My wounds were treated
Drenched in alcohol
Assumed to be cleaned
Wrapped in cloth
And forgotten over time

In a second it happened
For hours I bled
After months I learned
After years I moved on
And I was still unhealed

My problem is falling in love
I spend too many days alone
And my knees are too week
I am going to the playground
I forgot the neosporin
I forgot my knee pads
Hopefully this will work out
Wish me luck

Photo by T-KONI

Nardwuar v. J.Cole

2010-12-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

Words

2010-12-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

....

Shoutout to CocoandLowe

A Note for Life

2010-12-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hopefully, this reaches you in good spirits
Things aren't working out between us
I think its time that we went our separate ways
Its not you
Its me
I am ungrateful
Unhappy
Completely undeserving
So go find someone better
I was your mistake
Forget that we were even together
Even if it was for all these years
Burn my pictures
Delete my number
Forget my name
Do whatever you must
But please move on
Do not be sad
I need for you to understand
I am too stressed out
I can't deal with this anymore
You nag too much
Beg for the time I don't have to spare
I do what I can
But it isn't enough for you
Would you like it if I lied
And told you that there is someone else
Her name is _______
She sweeps me off my feet
I float all day
She gives me abilities I never had before
A smile
A laugh
Hope
Things that you no longer provide
Look, I am sorry
This has to be done
Again, I'm sorry
But its for the best....

Celebration

2010-12-03T01:34:00.001-08:00

Make moments, make memories. Don't become one

Diddy-Dirty Money - LTTP Mixtape

2010-12-03T01:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a Prelude mix to Diddy-Dirty Money's Last Train to Paris which has a release date for December 14th. Check it out and let me know what you think...

Also you can download the entire the songs in one file here

via Hypebeast

Big Sean Covers 21-7 Magazine

2010-12-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

Above is a video interview featuring Big Sean with 21-7 Magazine. He discusses the inspiration behind his Finally Famous 3 mixtape and being signed to Kanye's label among some other things. I am pretty sure this is an old interview, but take a look.

Enjoy

Courtesy of 21-7 Mag

Interview w/ Bryan Brock of 1LoveTO

2010-11-28T17:32:00.000-08:00

For the last few months, I have been taking a class at school entitled "Comparative Urbanism in the 20th Century". This class focuses on the the development of cities, urban planning, and city life among other things. For my final paper I had to discuss the "livability" of a city of our choice. My paper was on the city of Toronto because it is a city that is now receiving alot of attention on a global scale. I was lucky enough to get an interview with Bryan Brock of 1loveto.com.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Shoutout to Brock, T-Rexxx, Photo Will., Bryan Espiritu, and everyone else holding it down for their city!!
#respect

Q. How did the 1LoveTO movement start? Where did the idea come from?

A. The 1 LOVE T.O. movement started back in 2007 when my partner Tyrone "T-rexxx" Edwards was asked to help the Mayor Of Toronto, David Miller, in creating a float for the 40th Anniversary of Caribana (Festival). Tyrone had come up with the idea of "1 LOVE" as opposed to the traditional "I LOVE", when it comes to our city. It just made sense, 1 LOVE is much more inclusive and it has a deeper meaning for our city due to its diversity. I created the logo, which of course is our adaptation of the classic "I Love NY" logo. We printed a limited number of t-shirts, and joined the Caribana Parade with the official City Of Toronto float with Mayor Miller, Drake's DJ - Future The Prince, and a group of about 150 people dancing along side. It was a great experience, but we didn't do much with it until 2009. People continuously asked us, "where do I get a shirt", "when are you guys making more", so we decided to start making more shirts. After seeing how popular the shirts were, we finally decided to start the blog www.1loveto.com. We've been online for about a year and half, and it's overwhelming how fast it's growing. We just launched our www.facebook.com/1LOVETO page and of course you can follow us on twitter @1LOVETO.

Q. What do you think makes Toronto different from any other major city (New York, Detroit, Chicago, etc)?

A. It sounds cliche, but it's very true - Diversity. Toronto has the most racially diverse cross section of people from around the world. Our tag line is "The World In 1 City" because you can literally see every race/culture in Toronto. The other big difference that separates us from other major US cities is the fact that we are a "mosaic" instead of a "melting-pot". By that I mean, immigrants who come to Canada, primarily Toronto, don't have to lose their identity to fit it. We embrace and celebrate the cultural differences. When you meet someone in Toronto, it's normal to ask where are you from, or what's your background, because everyone looks unique. For example, if you're Canadian but your parents are from Jamaica and Ireland, you'd tell people that you're Irish/Jamaican. Lastly, Toronto is ranked as the safest large metropolitan area in North America.

Q. For people like Drake and Melanie Fiona among others, who have achieved success in the U.S, do you consider them ambassadors for the city?

A. They're definitely ambassadors to Toronto. Drake and Melanie are family, and they rep Toronto/1 LOVE T.O. where ever they go. To be honest, anyone who's doing their thing on a global scale is an ambassador for the city. On the blog we've featured professional photographers, fashion designers, actors, directors (the list goes on), who's work and talent represents Toronto around the world.

Q. What is your view towards people who necessarily do not have pride in their city?

A. Not everyone is going to be happy about their living situation, or their city, but it's up to them to make a change. If you live in a city you don't like, then move. OR take the time to explore your city and embrace it, learn about it and be a part of the community so that you develop a genuine pride for your city.

Q. I know that all the post on 1LoveTO.com are all categorized into different categories like culture, art, various, etc, is there a certain category that you like to do more post about?

A. Personally, I love introducing people to new things. No matter what category, if I can show someone something new about our city then I've done my job.

Q. Do you think that there is anything about the city of Toronto that needs to be changed?

A. Toronto is an incredible city with so much to offer, but we're not perfect. So, of course there are things that could change to continue to make our city even better.

Q. 1LoveTO is undoubtedly a very supported movement, would you say the process to get the support was difficult from the selling of shirts/buttons or fundraisers for programs like REMIX?

A. The process has been very organic, nothing has been forced or pushed, it's all happened very naturally. It hasn't been difficult to gain support, but it has taken a lot of hard work, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes to make people aware. It's been incredible to watch people embrace the message of "1 LOVE" and wear their t-shirts and buttons with pride on a daily basis. We've been blessed with the immediate response and continued support for the 1 LOVE T.O. movement, but there's still a lot more work to be done!

Q. I remember a while back, I was watching a Drake interview on OTA Live (2008) and Rez was speaking about the feeling of living in Toronto and it being a feeling like no other. For people like myself who do not live in the city, how would you describe the feeling of living in Toronto?

A. The feeling is overwhelming. When it comes to our music, we've always known our city has talent, but we've never had the spotlight. Finally, artists such as Drake, Melanie Fiona, Kardinal and Justin Bieber have helped to put us on the map - globally. We have this sort of "underdog" vibe, and now that the recognition is there our city feels like we can do anything. There's a new energy and a positive outlook coming from everyone, especially the youth in Toronto.

Q: Is there any validity to Toronto being the "Screwface Capitol"?

A. For a long time, Toronto has been known as the "Screwface Capitol. (Shout out to Theo 3). This may not be known to everyone, but hip-hop fans in Toronto are dedicated to the culture, so much so that if you're not on point, we'll let you know! We have a long history of giving artists a hard time if there show is wack, not only rappers from the US, but even rappers from our own backyard. We have high standards, and it takes a lot to impress us. BUT, with that being said a new wave of positive energy is in the city. Artists are working together as opposed to against each other, and the "screwface" mentality is slowly dying.