Givin 'em somethin' they can feel!

On February 25, I was contacted by a woman, via instant messenger, who
is a fan of my band's music. I'm often contacted by fans. Yet there
are times when I am able to "shoot the shit" with them, and there are
times when I'm a bit occupied. Nonetheless I always try to give a few
moments of my time to anyone who takes the time to absorb our music.

Although I've enjoyed speaking to each and every one of our
supporters, speaking with her was one of the most inspiring and eye
opening moments of my life.

She's been unemployed since Jan, and her living conditions aren't the
best. Although she has a college degree, and appeared very
articulate, she has been unable to find any work. Needless to say she
wasn't in the best of spirits.

All she really wanted to do was talk about today's music. (In her
opinion) It wasn't very rousing, and she longed for the days when
music (particularly hip hop) moved her spiritually. She proceed to
tell me how our music was different and how much she connected with it.

I could feel her pain, confusion, and feelings of hopelessness travel
through my laptop and seep into my conscious. I listened and allowed
her to vent her frustrations about her life and the economic
rollercoaster that is our world.

She didn't need a philosopher, or some artist trying to shove a cd
down her throat, she just needed someone to talk to. To connect with
someone whom she felt understood her misfortune( and trust me I do).

Our conversation was a profound reminder of why I decided to devote my
life to the arts. It was never for fame, immense wealth, or any of the
like (but let's be honest a ride or two in a lambo ain't a
crime..lol). I chose my path for the sole purpose of wanting to be a
voice for people who felt alone, isolated, scared, frustrated,
saddened, powerless, and confused. Since childhood I've often tried to
make a difference in the lives of others.

If a line from one of my verses helps a man/woman find the fire in
himself/herself to go out there and do whatever it takes to make his
dreams a reality then so be it. If a few strums from my guitar relaxes
the pulse of many and stirs the souls of thousands then that's even
better.

There's a lot of pain in the world these days. Jobs are dwindling at a
rapid rate unseen since the 1930's. The Stock market is in tatters.
People are committing suicide because they can't afford to put food on
the table, and hopelessness is spreading like a cancer. My priority
right now is doing all I can to brighten the lives of others just as
they have helped to give my life purpose. I'm no Superman, and
honestly I ain't trying to be. I'm just trying to do my part to help
other people do theirs.

I'm sharing this with you, for when it comes to my music my supporters are my
biggest inspiration. It may sound a bit cliche' but trust and believe it.

Unfortunately my passion, and my intensity have often been misconstrued by some as angry rants and misguided behavior, but nothing could be farther from
the truth(Those who don't know me, or my music usually make this mistake). Anger when it is focused and combined with enthusiasm brings about change. Make no mistake, many a great movement was started due to a few people being pissed off about their social conditions. They were so ticked off they decided to stand up for change, and were "crazy" enough to believe they could achieve it.

Ironically, maybe file sharing was born out of a strong disdain for paying 20 bucks for an album with only two good songs on them. (And personally I don't blame them. I got a jerked a few times too man!)

The fans didn't give a damn because they believed the industry didn't
give a damn. People banded together to elect our President because in
their hearts they believe he genuinely cares about people( I refuse to
get into a political discussion. This is just an example).

And for me that's what it's all about. Giving a damn!