Issue Three

Melted Mayhem

issue 3

In This Issue Contributors Summer Events Past Blizz Future Mcfly Ready Or Not

4 8 10 14

Coming From Here

20

Living As Reggie Bonds

22

Music Review

24

To Whom It May Concern

25

Letter from the

Editor It is not the temperature but the state of mind that makes the season. Some seasons come equipped with time of leisure, action packed adventures, and “Blank missions”. But it is the quality of the mind that makes it so easy for us to conform to theses moments. Like summer; since forever we have been told this is the time to PARTATYYYYY! Living in the moment. Enjoy the sun. Yea we might work a lot, volunteer some, but somewhere in that season we always find the time to do at least one thing that is frivolous, of pure instinct and of total disruption to our normal ways of functioning. If you don’t do this…

Well, then start!

Who says that just because the leaves on the trees are about to start dying so must we??? Yes, summer is over. I initially was upset because that means back to long nights staring at the computer screen designing, singing Gym Class Hero lyrics for me and maybe cranking out 40 page papers for you. It sucks. Waking up early for class, but not even well rested enough to take in the lesson. Working those jobs we might not get paid enough to do, but doing them any ways because something is better than

nothing. It’s like reality just kicks all back in and it’s not all sunny like the summer. But lets regroup and make fall a new type of season. A season where you do hard work and then sometimes, you step back and say; THIS CAN WAIT! Let’s make a list of priorities and don’t forget that your name goes at the top. Make time for you. Even the smallest bits of time can be helpful. Go for a walk, write a poem, freestyle on some beats, paint your nails, and shoot some hoops, EAT A REAL MEAL! You deserve it!

So I guess what I’m trying to say is still live a little. I mean it’s life. That’s what it’s meant for.

Best wishes from my humble URBAN abode, Dirty.

Lexi S. Brunson

Editor-N-Chief @_DirtyMagic

P.S. That does not mean be out here acting a fool all year. Take care of your responsibilities first. You will thank me for the advice you didn’t ask for later. LOL

Respect to the

Contributors E D I TOR-IN -C H IE F: Le xi S. Brun so n dirtyvisiondesigns@gmail.com A RT DIRE C TOR: C a rsyn Ta yl or c a r s y n t a y l o r. m @ g m a i l . c o m W R ITE RS: Al e xa Mc Dowell K ri s Wa rre n Bri a n W i l l i a ms La u re n N . “ H o ney” Gr aniela S P E CIAL TH AN K S TO: Al l Arti sts W ho Made T his Issue Po ssible Re ggi e Bond s Du ka l i on Bl i z z Mc Fl y AR We sl e y K e l vi n “ Da yN Ag e” Cro ss Word Li f e C AMP SAFS C re w Roots U n d e rg ro und Out fit t er s R.M.G

CopyWrite Magazine is currently a non-profit organization. All images are not licensed or owned by CopyWrite. For any questions regarding photos, future advertisements, future employment or any artists, producers or creators please contact copywrite.mke@gmail.com.

TM

FLAVOR OF THE SUMMER:

Melted Mayhem

This summer has been HOT! From open mics to beach parties, Milwaukee speeds up during the summer with more then one thing to do. As the summer melts away, CopyWrite makes sure your updated on the latest music artists and some fun things you can catch next summer.

t credit: Jonathon Ka

ambouris

Summer Recap

Summer Events Summerfest

Wisconsin State Fair Volleyball with WordLife CAMP Look & Listen Bastille Days Wisconsin Dells Stitch Milwaukee Indian Summer Color Run Watching the sunrise at Bradford Beach Jet Skies On the Lake Block Parties BBQ Ice Cream at Leon’s Art Museum Concerts at The Rave & Turner Hall Locust Street Fest MKE Underwear Bike Ride Alterra on the Lake Cream City Skateboard Park

“I’m not about that life.” Blizz McFly admitted. A look of subtle amazement shined over the faces of CopyWrite Magazine staff when the talented Emcee and part time Videographer, told us how gallivanting as a mischievous youngin’, lead to a few not so desirable incidents that could have resulted in death.

“I’m not the same Blizz I used to be. I mean I’m not going to say I was a thug but I didn’t have a silver spoon in my mouth either. Ima just leave it at that.”

So there you have it. Blizz McFly (real name Kyle McCloud), the creator of SAFS Crew, is not a Thug.

His name however is a cunning representation of the two worlds he straddles, deriving from two of his favorite movies as a child, Juice and Back to the Future.

“A character from Juice, this guy named Blizzard, he basically robbed this little bar and I was intrigued by that gangster aspect in movies. I could compare

it to characters in my life, like people I used to hang around when I was a kid. Like the older dudes, I kinda looked up to them in a sense. It was just Blizz for a minute but then I decided I wanted a last name.

Like two of my favorite rappers Kanye West & Lupe Fiasco, for instance. So I came up with the McFly later after I watched Back To The Future.”

The whole concept behind the movie Back to the Future was enticing to him. The McFly part of his name generating from this kind of film is representation for the goal he wants to achieve with his music. By moving through time as they do in the movie, he is trying to be a part of a “resurrection of Hip-Hop at the same time a modern or future version of rap”.

Now that Blizz is 24, he is less into the glam of things and more about being an adult. He said, “On a daily I run into things, I just have to know how to protect myself and carry myself as an adult

professional that is pursuing a real music career.” He also suggested that the realities of growing up in an “inner city” environment have prepped him for almost anything; even a ferocious music industry that has no sympathy for the weak of heart.

So why music?

“Music is a very influential…thing. As simple as I can put it. When I hear certain songs I can visualize certain moments: When I first heard that song, where I was, what I was doing, what things were around me…. I really feel like music influences how we act.

Like with the street music how that motivates certain crowds. Its mutha fuckers who don’t even know shit about this life who never stepped foot in the hood but

that’s what they want to be. That’s what they portray.

I know people from the suburbs who want to have friends from the hood because they want to be a part of that lifestyle and culture. To have that image. But for me I want to take that image and let people see you don’t have to do all those things to be cool (i.e.

Sell, Bang, and Kill). I mean I can’t change the world by myself but I want to be that spark. I feel like that’s my purpose. That’s why I do music.”

Going back and reminiscing on the origins of his musical interest he claims that for his 6th Christmas his mom bought him a headphone set, accompanied by one of Snoops first albums & Bone Thugs n’ Harmony East 1999. “I had those. I played the shit out of those. And that’s when I really started to

love music”. Later in his youth, 6th grade, he would take his love for music and try to apply it. One day he did a class experiment with his friend, he made some beats and together they tried to sell them. It was successful. Learning at a young age he could actually make a profit selling music he decided to put his all into it and pursue his newly found passion.

“From there I learned how to rap. So I kind of started backwards. Beats then rap but I’m here now.”

But Blizz McFly is more than just here. Headlining at venues, talking to major labels (Nope don’t ask which ones, we have been sworn to secrecy), running with one of the top teams in the 414 area, and producing some pretty dope visuals, he has been making moves. Even though the force we now call SAFS Crew started as a group of friends in high school (known then as Murder Mafia) doing music and running around getting into beef with other schools, it has progressed into a unit of collaborating minds with undeniable talents and a major voice in Milwaukee’s underground music scene. “At that moment of conscious awakening I had, that’s when I was like its time to change. Let’s do something different. So I broke that whole thing down a couple of new members came, and that’s when it became SAFS Crew.”

If you didn’t know the original meaning of SAFS meant “Space Age Fly Shit”.

Blizz says: “I was young. It sounds cool. Or whatever.” He laughed in a ‘don’t judge me manner’.

“Ok that was cool or whatever but I wanted to find a deeper meaning. So I took the same acronym and came up with Survival Amongst Free Spirits.

The name now hits home for the artist, in a way that is no longer shallow, but quite the opposite. His explanation was thoughtful, his tone of voice direct and his eyes reflecting of the topic that seemed to interest him the most.

“If this thing is called life, you have to make it through it and you have to make it to the end...which is however long you’re willing to survive. And if you can do it as a free spirit why not? What I mean by that is a lot of people don’t know they are mentally enslaved

and trapped into all of these different institutions. But I am no longer a slave to that because I found a way to open my mind, open my eye (third eye) and open that door.”

While keeping his mind open, he is still pushing his latest release Flight 89, trying to keep his self balanced with all the curveballs life is throwing his way. “I usually just jump the gun and keep going but right now I’m working on a few features with Great for his album coming up in 2014, Ungrateful, other than that I might be doing some stuff with Klassik but other than that I’m really just trying to extend Flight 89, and really boost it up with the videos I been working on.”

Mentioning Videos, Blizz McFly’s “Live from the Bottom” has reached 38 thousand views. He says he isn’t doing anything too much but even with that being said he confesses that he will be dropping an 8 track EP, either at the end of November or early December. But you know nothing too major.

CopyWrite even squeezed a title out of him. Be on the look out for JFK: Just For Kicks.

At the heart of it all Blizz McFly, just like many of the greats that came before him, wants to make a difference in the world and the only way he is willing to make that difference is by being himself: “I can’t just go around and be like ‘hey you can do this and you can do that and you will be free’. All I can do is be me and ask for the world to follow. I don’t want to necessarily be a preacher but at the same time however I live my life I have to be that positive image. I have to live that. So in order to get people to follow me, it has to be real with me. I’m in that transition now to become that.”

Whether the world is ready or not Milwaukee local artist are on the rise. Our local artists have been putting in work and their time is soon approaching! CopyWrite Magazine wants to be the first to introduce you to one of Milwaukee’s brightest up up- and-coming artist, AR Wesley. With his unique choice of lyrical word play and unbelievable dedication to his craft, it is going to be hard for the world to ignore this Milwaukee local artist. AR Wesley has been putting a lot of work into his passion. Having recently released his mixtape The Understanding Part 1: Bad Habits, and putting on numerous shows throughout Wisconsin, it is clear that AR is ready to be heard! Copywrite Magazine took some time out to interview AR Wesley and get to know the young lyrical genius a little better!

CW: Why did you get started rapping?

AR: (smiles) I got started rapping because, well, it wasn’t even, like, off of industry music. It was off of my older cousins who live in Chicago;

and when I would go and visit them; there were always little cyphers and stuff like that. I really

just wanted to, basically, be like them and that’s where I got my style from and everything. At

thirteen fourteen, I started actually listening to other music; like actually listening to the lyrics

and wanting to become an artist. But, before then just coming up, I would watch my older cousins who rapped.

CW: So your family had a big influence on the music you’re making now?

AR: Yes! CW: Okay, well where did your stage name AR Wesley come from?

AR: I wanted something that would be authentic and original (he says excitedly), something that a lot of people would be able to follow behind; and you know AR, the way I spit it’s like a rifle

(laughs) and it’s like I just started going through names. At first it was AR Quinn, which is my

middle name but I just wanted to change it and make it a little more real, closer to home.

CW: Who would you say inspires you as an

artist? Who do you listen to? Who do you get inspiration from?

AR: A lot of different people, I couldn’t even put a name on a certain person, but it’s certain things I take from different people. You know, I study hip

hop a lot and from people like Jay-Z; I feel like they

going to show love to the Midwest. I’m going to do

like Lupe, Andre 3000, and Nas have that real lyrical

Kanye.

have the best business mind towards music. People style that I like. I just get inspiration from different artist from all over: west coast, east coast, down-

south. I really couldn’t really say a certain person.

CW: So if you had to name 3 of your top favorite artist of all time who would they be?

AR: Of all time? (smiles) CW: Of all time!

AR: Ahhh (looks up at the ceiling), Okay, so, I’m

three from the Midwest that’s Common, Lupe, and

CW: Nice choices! (laughs) Okay, so I know you have been working and doing shows. How did

you feel when you did your first show? Do you remember?

AR: Yes, I remember! ( he says loudly) It was the first Look x Listen, it was my first big show in Milwaukee.

So, I don’t know I was nervous, but once you’re on the stage it’s go time! It’s like the nervousness got to leave. Either you’re going to have a bad show

cause you nervous or a good show ‘cause you let

the nervousness go til’ afterward. So, I just try to

AR: What makes me different is the way that I vibe.

just remember that feeling of performing and I knew

you know everything. (laughs) The first thing I think

jump into another mode when I’m on stage and I

I wanted to have that feeling as much as possible

that’s why I just try to perform as much as possible, you know.

CW: So, you just recently released a mixtape: The

Understanding Part 1: Bad Habits. How would you sum up the mixtape?

AR: The understanding is, basically… it’s the

I feel like everything; the way that I approach songs, about when I hear a beat is how I cannot sound like everybody else. I try to really change my sound up

with each project. I have another project coming out

and it’s going to be a completely different sound than

The Understanding Part 1 but it’s still going to be me.

I feel like just being different is very important

CW: It definitely is, so what is next for AR Wesley?

first installment to a series that I want to keep

AR: I got a project called Nights on Water Street

2, Understanding Part 3. The first one was on bad

say a date when that’s going to drop but it’s going

pushing. I’m going to have an Understanding Part habits and it’s trying to understand… more so

about myself and the people that I know, like my

family. It was about trying to understand why they do the things they do, the bad things; ‘cause it’s

like sometimes we got to do bad things to get good results.

CW: Wow, wise words! So, what do you want people to get out of your music when they listen to it?

What’s the message you’re trying to send?

AR: It’s a lot of messages I’m trying to send (laughs)!

It’s a lot of stuff going on that I like to talk about that I feel like doesn’t get talked about enough. I just really want people to listen. I want to inspire somebody.

That’s my ultimate goal in music. (he says genuinely) Even if I never become the best rapper alive, if I

inspire the best rapper that would be a win-win for

me, you know what I’m saying? If somebody comes up to me like “AR!? He inspired me” and they’re

considered a good rapper then, hey, that’s like a winwin for me!

CW: Okay, well what makes you different than other artist? That could be local or mainstream.

that I’m in the process of recording and I can’t really to drop this summer. I want to make sure everything is set in stone before I release a date but I do have the title Nights on Water Street. Not too soon after

that, I will be coming out with a bigger project called

Black Attire and that’s going to be an actual mixtape

with like 16 tracks. Nights on Water Street will have 9 or 10. Basically Nights on Water Street is more of a

women appeal type of project. I feel like I didn’t have enough of that in The Understanding, just because

of the type of project that was. You know, I couldn’t

really touch on certain topics that I wanted to touch on. So, it’s like there are always other projects for

that and that’s why I wrote Nights on Water Street

and then Black Attire is going to be a whole project that features a lot.

COMING FROM

E R HE

w/ DUKALION

Only way to make it happen is to do it. And that’s exactly what the California resident—by the way of Milwaukee—

“Laser guns shoot light…our meaning is to shoot light into

Dukalion is on. You can call him a Black Hippy; you may

the darkness… America is so into guns might as well do

have once known him by many different names, but

that.”

whatever you do remember to address the man as a man, with a mind. A mind with a glimpse of a new world

The move to L.A. has been critical for the young Emcee &

mentality.

his state of mind. Opportunities that have not yet formed in the Milwaukee music scene have been fortunate to

The night before his interview with CopyWrite, Dukalion

cross Dukalion’s path in the highly noted Hip-hop culture

turned up a crowd at G-Daddy’s BBC, co-headlining

of the Cali area. “I’m going to be headlining with a live

on the marquee for SAFS Crew’s The Really Cool Rap

band at The House of Blues. Dukalion and the Arkitechs

Show. Even though CopyWrite was present for the event,

… Yea, the band is not too happy about that spelling but I

we still wanted to enquire on how the artist felt about the

like it.”

event, from the stage looking out.

As an extended part of the Milwaukee music culture his “I’m still a little drunk”, he laughed jokingly, “But no really

ears and eyes are not foreign to the music world that is so

I’m feeling good. My name was on the marquee my mom

influential around us. However, his insight into what it is

was there. Everybody did great.”

like on the opposite end also reflects an understanding of Cali’s new Hip-Hop re-birth with artist like Dom Kennedy

We agree. The crowd was hype when Dukalion was on

& Casey Veggies.

the stage. His long dreads moved as he jumped around and the sweat glistened on his face as he commanded

“At L.A. underground shows they really stick true to the

the mic. With an unexpected extended set, the artist got

‘boom-bap’ roots of Hip-Hop…I like that kind of music

to recite a few extra songs. Showing a full range of what

but for me it’s more than that. I do all types of tracks.

he delivers on his mixtape, Journey of the Lost Arc, he did

EDM, Street, Conscious, Trap…I think because I am

not hesitate to throw up the Laser Gun hand symbol as

from Milwaukee I have an advantage with a more diverse

the crowd chants.

sound.”

Dukalion does admit though that if we

to experience.

are going to compare L.A.’s success

making all the right moves to become the artist he wants to be.

to our music culture, we should note

Where does he want to go from

But with moves being made, so must

that L.A. is way more organized.

here?

conscious decisions follow:

“I would say the top but

“I don’t want to do a deal if it’s

“But talent wise I wouldn’t say they were any better than Milwaukee.”

Even with him being out of state, he still keeps his ears open to the

that’s too cliché so I’ll

scene coming out of the Mil. Amongst

say beyond that. I want

his lately listens Wale and J.cole’s most recent releases, he has also been vibing to locals like: Vonny Del Fresco, Pizzle, Wordlife CAMP’s Music counterparts Basement Underlying, Dee phr3sh, and Blizz McFly (who is also featured in this

to be respected, widely regarded amongst the masses and affect the world in a positive way.”

going to compromise my artistry.

If I have to compromise as far as Wale and J.cole did I can do that.”

But in regards to any other type of conformity, he won’t budge. Dukalion is his own person. He will not let names, titles or adversity keep him from being him. “Everybody has that one eccentric quality”, he claims. In that he finds value and a

issue). It comes to show that his roots

The ideology he tries to portray

commonality between people. When

have not snapped. Dukalion is no

through music is story telling and

asked who were his favorite artist,

sale out.

positivity. “You know money and

he responded Bob Marley, Nas, &

hoes. That kind of stuff.” Obviously

Salvador Dali. Note that his concept

As Dukalion tells us about life in L.A.

he has a comedic side to him as

of art is blurred lines between

compared to life in the Mil, he did not

well. “But seriously, I don’t want to

disciplines, not just musical but the

seem to mind his humble beginnings,

alienate any potential fans. I spit easy

visual means as well.

which actually led him to his quest as

listening lyrical shit.” This lyrical shit

a musical talent.

or whatever you want to call it is also

“I want people to know I’m not from

embedded with messages, which if

this planet…We are the last bloodline

you actually pay attention teach you

of the Annunaki. Despite what

about the lessons of life; opening

peoples misconceptions about me

your third eye, and releasing yourself

maybe, I’m all about peace, positivity

from mental enslavement.

and I love hip-hop.”

this same time Bow Wow was

So if you’re into music that sends out

In the eyes of Dukalion now is the

introduced to the world as a young

good waves, plays into your ears with

time for Milwaukee to unify and get its

kid who could rap. This was inspiring

dope ease, and sends off subliminal

spot on the map. “What ever it takes,

to him. If some one young was

messages that might just infiltrate

we are going to the moon with it.”

making waves in the world of hip-

your psyche in all the right ways, be

Fuel up then yo!

hop then it wasn’t too far fetched for

on the look out for Dukalion’s Journey

Dukalion to do the same. He would

of the Lost Arc. It includes some

write poetry, raps and whatever he

sound production by Blind Q, and all

felt. A family friend even introduced

tracks mixed in-house by Mammyth

Dukalion to J Dilla, and he got to

who also reps SAFS.

“Music has always been in my life”, he told us as he reminisced about the days he would watch Michael Jackson on the TV, or see his uncle who would also write music. Around

go to the studio and talk with him, something many artists will never get

It seems to be that Dukalion is

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Everybody has a story. Some are jarring, jaw dropping and heart wrenching to the point where hearing them reminds you of nothing less than a hip-hop soap opera. But some tales, even with their drama packed dangerous adventures are the realities people have lived and are trying to keep from holding them back.

Rapper Reggie Bonds has one of those stories.

He is not enticed by the alter ego that some artists portray to lead by the intensification of their lyrics, but has lived the tortured life he speaks of word for word.

Reggie started out his artistry writing poetry in hopes of pulling girls at a young age, but after trying his method of subtle serenading he realized that the girls he wanted weren’t interested in poetry; they wanted basketball players and rappers. He would eventually flip the script and start spitting his feelings, but some feelings became more spiteful, and induced by the negativity occurring in his life.

Not the type to open up easily Reggie had a hard

time giving up the goods while sitting down with CopyWrite. It got to the point where the moment of silence made us all feel uneasy and the interview seemed to be ending before it could develop into something worth writing about. But the response he had given about the content of his music (one of the only things he would discuss) was enough to keep us from walking out the door and urged us to dig a little deeper: “Nobody just lives a dream life without problems. I talk about the real life, plus more.”

So what was so real about life that he was keeping from us? After an off the record convo with the CopyWrite team we got Reggie to voice some realities we had no idea we would be uncovering.

“My mom motivates me to write because she is the person I went through everything with…I mean I lost my dad when I was 17. My mom is a dope fiend...I don’t know. I been in emotional situations. Anything that could happen in life in a bad way, I have been through it. I write this stuff but it be hard to say this. I write it in raps and can go to the studio and record it but saying it is different.

CopyWrite: Okay so you have had a rough life, but what has been the highlight of it all? Even in clouds there is always a silver lining.

Reggie Bonds: “It opened my eyes. I’m basically seeing everything that I came from and make it into motivation. I mean growing up I never had nothing.

I grew up not having anything…I’m just trying to get my momma that big house. That’s all I want.”

Reggie does admit though that in the present hour of his life he is closer to where he wants to be than ever before.

Reggie Bonds: “I been getting more in touch with my third eye by reading and studying.” He suggests that he has been reading about different religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity, to find understanding in his life and the world around him.

His self-educating practices have an irony since Reggie did not complete high school but while confined behind bars, he completed his GED. With his non-traditional origins he has pulled his story together in the fashion of a mixtape titled Miseducation.

Not sure what will come next but ready for anything, Reggie Bonds might take sometime to enroll himself in higher education for music & business, but until then he plans on going on the road (west coast bound, Cali dreams & Arizona connects) to promote his music beyond the tight constraints of the Milwaukee hood.

CopyWrite: “So if we did this again in 10 years, what do you think you would have to say?”

Reggie Bonds: “I would have to say I’m glad to be here, if we did this again in 10 years. Not everybody makes it.”

MUSIC REVIEW

By Kris Warren

Nothing Is Stopping You. Big Sean

(G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam) opens his second studio album, Hall of Fame, with that declaration. In this era of Hip Hop renaissance where we have seen numerous newcomers step up to carve out their spot in the Hip Hop spectrum, Big Sean delivers an effort that is a noticeable step up from his debut album, Finally Famous.

As soon as you press play on Hall of Fame, you’re greeted with a chopped sample telling you, Nothing Is Stopping You. This song sets an inspirational and personal tone that the majority of the album follows.

Hall of Fame flows flawlessly from track to track throughout the first half of the album, almost as if it were one long song. Big Sean transforms his grind into a bass laden song built to destroy the sound system you thought could handle anything with 10 2 10, and reminisces on those early days on the grind with Toyota Music. Standout tracks from the first half of the album include Nothing Is Stopping You, Toyota Music, and First Chain.

Unfortunately Big Sean seems to lose the direction he set with the first half of the album after First Chain ends and transitions into Mona Lisa. In Mona Lisa and MILF, he reverts to being the typical materialistic, nearly misogynistic rapper that you hear daily if you turn on the radio. MILF is meant to be a fun concept song, but comes off as a desperate attempt at being Dance (A$$) 2.0 right down to the Nicki Minaj feature. With Sierra Leone, the album attempts to pick up where it left off with First Chain. It goes as far as starting the song by

sampling Nas’ verse from First Chain. However, Sierra Leone seems out of place sandwiched between bass heavy songs MILF and It’s Time.

Fortunately, Hall of Fame regains its footing and finishes strong with World Ablaze, Ashley, and All Figured Out. With Hall of Fame, Big Sean shows much improvement in subject matter and sonic continuity.

It seems as if he has come to terms with the incredible influence he has as an artist and celebrity, and he displays this throughout the album. One can only imagine how much better this project could’ve been without the middle of the album killing its momentum. With that being said, I give Hall of Fame an 8.3 out of 10, a good album that had the potential to be great.

To Whom it May Concern: I sat at this computer to write a piece about how to better our communities for our children through methods they are already interested in. After staring at a blank screen for 5 minutes, mind cluttered and subsequently useless, I decided that that particular topic isn’t as necessary as the one you are about to read. (The following is void of any religious connotations.)

My mind has been cluttered for many reasons lately.

This is the time of year where university classes are starting back up, employers are revamping their rosters (by fire or hire), and business is once again booming in various different fields of service. These are a few, but not the sole causes of my current mental state. This apparent mode of thought, or lack thereof, can best be attributed to one word. Karma...

With life picking back up and breaks winding down, you hear the bustling city streets roaring back to life.

You hear the hustler: “I gotta bust these moves.” You hear the homeless man: “Got any change on you lil brother?” The everyday working woman: “I don’t have time to be playing around I got kids at home!”

All inhabitants of this place we call Earth, to name a few. All with different ambitions, motivations, and aspirations, that they one day hope to realize.

The beautiful part of this story is that every dream that these common people could ever imagine is right at their fingertips, waiting to be grabbed, and owned.

God gives abundantly, and at times immediately. God truly loves every single one of us. Why else do you think the serial killer still eats everyday? How is the untrustworthy business man still wealthy? Why are you still here? He loves us all, and forgives the same.

These are truths that will not change.

But there is another force from God that many are familiar with, but most will try to ignore. Originating from Indian religious traditions, the term karma is defined as action, seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad. I have had my share of run-ins with these inevitable results, at times benefiting me, and others punishing me.

It is unavoidable within the human experience.

Remember the hustler, the homeless man, and the everyday working woman? Some of them, maybe all of them, will one day reach their goals for success, whatever they may be. Or, adversely, none of them will achieve what they once set out to do. Resulting success or failure, from my experience, can be heavily weighted on the actions and attitudes you emit into the world around you.

It’s simple cause and effect... When you toss a ball into the air, it will fall back to the earth. If you plug a lamp into an electrical outlet, it will shine its light.

When you set fire to a bridge, it will burn.

Examine your life. Have you been enjoying an abundance of good fortune recently? Better yet, did you wake up this morning? If so, thank God this very second. He chose to reward you. He sees your efforts.

Or have things been taking a turn for the worst lately?

If this is the case, turn away from negativity, deceit, and evil right now. Your livelihood depends on it.

-Words from a Simple Man