ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue21 (November 2014)

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Issue

The Power of Positive Role Models

Why the Future is Bright for Foster Kids National Homeless Youth Awareness month

Thanks 4 Tha Support EP

by DOMINANCE

At this day & age, there are more resources and services available for current & former foster youth than ever before! And the underlying factor of it all‌it’s free!

Former foster youth who are transitioning into independent living have a better chance at succeeding and due to the hard work and consistency of organizations such as Hillsides, Hathaway-Sycamores, Pacific Clinics, and the Department of Mental Health.

Today, in Los Angeles, there are drop-in centers for former foster youth in various pockets throughout the county. Former foster youth can drop by these places and utilize resources that will aid them in their independent living plan.

With the current momentum and latest interest from private investors, the future is looking bright for foster youth currently in the system and aging out.

Organizations listed above have already provided a platform of opportunities for former foster youth to obtain Paid Internships, Job Readiness workshops, Art/Cooking classes, Free Internet Access, Transportation Assistance, and so much more‌

Nov. 2nd, 2014 (Los Angeles)

The Power of a Positive Role Model Do you know how powerful a positive role model is…or can be?

In a world where we work non-stop at oppressing one another, Positive Role Models are our best shot at knowing how we should conduct ourselves. Being a positive role model is more than just what you do, but what you say and portray. Is what you do, say, or portray something that would have a positive impact if a young(er) person witnessed it? Here’s a scenario: There’s a car driving down the street. A child and his/her mother is walking along the sidewalk. The car driving by is loudly playing explicit music and the child catches a lyric that he unknowingly repeats. That’s how easy we are influenced.

Positive Role Models are so very important in today’s society.

What one does will always have an effect on any & all who are watching, whether good or bad. The power that positive role models have is priceless and it should be something that most of our young kids want to be.

It’s all about the kids! Children are our future. One thing that we shouldn’t overlook is that kids learn by what they see & hear.

They repeat things they learn which can have a positive or negative impact on their lives. If our kids (at a young age) are repeating explicit lyrics and offensive words, what will the future be like for their children…and their children’s children? It’s a domino effect that is catching up with us fast! And if we don’t act now and put emphasis on the positive role models we have today, then we are negatively influencing our future.

Let’s give it up for our Positive Role Models of today!

KeKe Palmer sets a great example for a young, AfricanAmerican Actress. Young women who aspire to be actresses can follow in Keke’s foot steps. She is a proven fact that success is attainable. We admire the class she has about herself.

Raven Symone has been a fan-favorite since she started acting at a very young age. Throughout her career, Raven has been an effective positive role model not just for young girls who watch her, but even for other young actresses in the entertainment industry.

Gabriel Teodros makes our list for positive role models because he actively involves youth in his music. Gabriel is also of Ethiopian, Scottish, Irish, and Native American descent, making him a diverse individual who stands behind unity across different cultures.

Jackie Robinson was not just an American Icon, but a very positive role model indeed! His work ethic, respect for others, and talent has landed him as one of our all-time positive role models. He is undoubtedly a great candidate to follow and learn from.

Seattle rapper Macklemore is a great artist to look up to! He encourages positive, uplifting messages and cares about community. His debut album “The Heist� has set a new standard for Hip Hop artists in the game.

Bizzle is a local rapper who comes from inner-city living like most of our rappers today. Unlike other rappers, Bizzle is changing the game by BEING the change. His positive, influential lyrics are ideal for aspiring rappers looking to pursue a career in music. Bizzle definitely deserves the honor.

Will Smith was destined for greatness when he began producing clean rap music. Will is a great example to follow for aspiring rappers and young people who like his music and movies.

With the release of “One Day�, Matisyahu has inspired a generation of artists coming up. His vision for the future is one we all can embrace. His music is positive making him a candidate for being a positive role model.

Mistah Wilson: Grimstyles! It's truly an honor to have you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. How ya been?

Grimstyles: I been well fam, just living life.

Mistah Wilson: Before we go deep into things, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Grimstyles: Sure thing! I am a twenty-four year old rapper from Bakersfield, CA

Mistah Wilson: Being able to pursue what you love to do through your disability is very inspirational. What are some of tha biggest challenges you've faced when pursuing a career in music?

Grimstyles: Everyone faces adversity in life, a career in the music industry isn't any different. I began releasing music via YouTube in early 2012, shortly after that haters popped up on Twitter.

Nevertheless, I continue pressing forward.

Mistah Wilson: We first discovered you shortly after tha release of "Strong" music video. We were moved! It literally sent chills down our spine and has tha same effect every time we listen to it. What led you to make this song?

Grimstyles: Everyone faces adversity, and we all handle it differently. I wrote the song in hopes of helping someone press through adversity.

Mistah Wilson: Furthermore, what led you to shoot tha video in tha desert?

Grimstyles: Creativity more than anything else; I wanted to be different.

Mistah Wilson: Where do you get your ideas and inspiration from when writing new songs?

Grimstyles: Life. I get inspired by just about everything: Walking down the street, conversing with friends etc‌ Mistah Wilson: When did you decide that you want to be a rapper?

Grimstyles: When I was about fourteen years old. I was bumping The College a Dropout by Kanye West & I was instantly inspired.

Mistah Wilson: How did you come up with tha stage name Grimstyles?

Grimstyles: Most of my early lyrics pertained to "grim" and "dark" subjects. Death and suicide, things like that. So being Grim was my style so to speak. The rest was history.

Mistah Wilson: How would you describe your sound for those who don't know?

Grimstyles: My style is Hip Hop mixed with Spoken Word.

Mistah Wilson: Against all odds, you've managed to come out on top by successfully releasing quality music with great feedback.

Who are some of your biggest supporters?

Grimstyles: My friends, my family & my fans. Without my fans, I wouldn't be where I am now.

Mistah Wilson: Who are some of your musical influences that inspired you to be an artist?

Grimstyles: Nas, Tupac, Kanye West to name a few (Outside of Hip Hop/ Rap)

Mistah Wilson: Are you currently independent or are you on a artist management team?

Grimstyles: I am currently independent. However, I am open to signing with a major label.

Mistah Wilson: How do you feel about working with other artists?

Grimstyles: I like doing it. Two great minds working toward a common goal is always better than one.

Mistah Wilson: What do you plan on accomplishing through your music?

Grimstyles: Inspire people, young and old alike, to chase their dreams.

Mistah Wilson: So far, what has been tha most rewarding achievement in your music career?

Grimstyles: That is a toss-up. I would have to say either doing 25k downloads on Datpiff, or surpassing 300k views on one of my YouTube videos.

Mistah Wilson: What overall message are you trying to send through your music?

Grimstyles: That anything is possible.

Mistah Wilson: Have you done any performances?

Grimstyles: Yes, I have, but very sparingly. I am hoping to add a full slate of shows in 2015 Mistah Wilson: What's your definition of success?

Grimstyles: Being able to do what you love without a worry in the world.

Mistah Wilson: What coping skills have you developed to deal with life's obstacles. (For example: people hating on you, giving you a hard time, judging you)?

Grimstyles: I have learned that tomorrow is always a brighter day.

Regardless of how bad one day becomes - tomorrow will always be better.

Mistah Wilson: How can we keep up with you online?

Grimstyles: My Twitter is @Grimstyles my Instagram is @Grimstyles661 Mistah Wilson: Thank you, Grimstyles for coming through for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. I'd like to extend a very special appreciation to your family who appeared in "Strong" music video to support you. If you have any shout outs, let's hear 'em...

Grimstyles: Shoutout to everyone who supports my music! Without any of you, none go this would be possible.