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Heavy Inspiration: Dedication To Heavy D.

”I want to be as free as the spirits of those who left.” – Common / Be (Intro)

Dwight Arrington Myers aka Heavy D. Hip Hop artist, producer actor has passed away but he has left a legacy of creativity, talent and positivity. In an artistic culture, in a society where the negative or rather the abrasiveness of life is replayed, remixed, reviewed & regurgitated daily, there are not many artists who’s resume, who’s life reflects such abundance of positivity. All one has to do, is read the tweets or comments, listen to the words of those that Heavy D., the artist and man inspired. Kind and gracious words pour from the mouths of those that new him, as a person beyond just the confines of a recording artist. Of course, the man himself thanks to social media was able to tell the world in his own words. Describing himself, his Twitter bio spoke volumes: I have relentless optimism. Here are some of his thoughts/quotes from his Twitter account at http://twitter.com/#!/heavyd :

“Never stop believing. Magic is just science we don't understand. Every original idea was considered insanity at first.”

“Back in the USA.. I love my life.. Only because I always have!!! BLESS UP!”

"Tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance builds character, character builds hope"

“I've learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.”

“No problem can stand the assault of sustained thinking.”

"When I win is not when I need a pat on the back. It's when I lose and I can hardly stand that I need you to praise me."

“Never give up!!!”

"Living one day at a time,enjoying one moment at a time and accepting hardships as the pathway to peace"

"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations"

“REACH...”

"Everyone is capable of Greatness....most people choose not to accept that fact..."

And there are many more at http://twitter.com/#!/heavyd.

Unafraid of his talent, through hard work, respect and by tapping into his creative potential, he paved a way for his dreams and many others.  Incredible are his contributions to Hip Hop, to entertainment, to the world; from the boys on the block that grew up singing We Got Our Own Thang to the girls that he had Nuttin’ But Love for. He made great art and gave us, including me great memories.

What happens when you take control of your life, your thoughts, your actions, tap into your potential and breathe positivity into every aspect of your life?

Yes, you find your success but you also leave indelible impressions. 

You inspire others.

That’s a legacy. 

Sometimes life gets stressful and rough but its in those times when things get too heavy, we need hope to get us through the day.  Find what motivates you, what brings you ease and what uplifts you and then manifest your destiny. What your legacy will be is entirely up to you. Your life is power. Your life is magic. Give it meaning.

“BE INSPIRED” – Heavy D. / November 8^th 2011

R.I.P.  Dwight Arrington Myers (May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011)

Spirituality In Creativity

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth…” The Bible/King James Version.

The previous statement is one of many examples of the creation story that exists in many cultures throughout the world. What some of these stories have in common is the creation of something or someone.  Creation. The first true power can be defined as creativity.

Spirituality is a personal journey to experience connectivity or oneness with the world, nature, the unseen systems of life and people.  By being open to new possibilities, even those that are strange to us, we can find a greater understanding and appreciation for most things or events in our life.  Spirituality guides one to seek knowledge about the importance of what we encounter everyday, and hopefully makes us wiser to the fact that we have an important role to play, not only in our lives but others.  We are not living apart but a part of a greater whole.

As an artist, and I can only speak for myself, my creativity is spiritual and spirituality is creativity.  In my last post, Silence In Creativity, in regards I stated, “Self-centered in silence to find your unique voice and thoughts, to subdue immediate external noises and influences; to hear the gentle persuasion of new ideas and images to stimulate the imagination.”   

When I go there, go inward to that ‘zone’, I focus or meditate and I can feel myself open up, even as I detach myself in some respects, from the outside world. The thoughts that elude me, appear.  Concepts and ideas begin to form a much clearer picture than before. 

I can go on and on, but the point is I must create, express and share with others what I’ve done and what I know.  I find that whatever’s going on, going wrong or falling apart; creating brings me a certain level of peace and helps me recharge to deal with conflicts or just plain stress. Failing to create, failing to connect with that inner power of bringing order out of chaos, only makes me more despondent or stressed out. As one of many remedies I have for dealing with stress; the act of creating in some way, ranks up there with plain R&R (rest & relaxation). 

My creativity also brings me closer to those around me; whether its sharing what I’ve done, or assisting another in their creative endeavors, it connects me to those of a common spirit. Going to church is great for some, but put me at the African Festival Of The Arts, or brainstorming with a fellowship of artists or communing with a group as we do the knowledge about life in general and that feeling of connectivity that oneness increases tenfold. 

Art connects strangers from a thousands miles away, it uplifts the lonely and gives hope to the crestfallen; that creativity is a power far greater than the creator, it expands to reach beyond the artists’ imagination. Chicago artist, Kat ‘O Conner of Terra Mysterium wrote in her post “What Is Spiritual Art?” ….that All art can be considered spiritual, as it is a reflection of the artist, her nature, and the Divinity of her nature. That Divinity is a path that we all, in some way walk.  Sure, we may have different methods and beliefs but we all share an invisible thread of humanity.  As an artist, I hope that my art reflects who I am and who I hope to become. One that is closer to God, united with the Universe bonded in unison with those around me. Creativity strengthens me; create the world in 6 or 7 days? Not me but hopefully my creative energy and powers will strengthen, enlighten and entertain those who come in contact with each image or concept I create.   

Amen.

Hotep.

Peace.

Stay Creative.

- Pharaoh

NOIZ: The Arts, Culture & Entertainment Blast OCT. 28

The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center will have its grand opening celebration on November 18, 2011 at 4450 N. Clark St. The new building will house 2 stage theaters and plenty of more space.  Be sure to check out http://www.blackensembletheater.org/

Hip Hop acts hit the stage: Mindless Behavior, Diggy, New Boyz, Jacob Lattimore, Hamilton Park, OMG Girls   Fri., Oct. 28, 7 p.m.at the Arie Crown Theater/McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. Call 312-791-6000

 

Edgar Allen Poe Readings, Saturday, October 29, at 5pm & 8pm at Clarke House Museum 1827 S. Indiana   Actors from Lifeline Theatre perform Poe’s works. $25

 

Born from the Shrek Movie franchise, check out this weekend the release of Puss In Boots. Starring the furry furball cat played by Antonio Banderas, as he rides through his next adventure. It should be fun for the whole family. Check your local movie theaters for times and schedules.

 

If you have any upcoming events, be sure to send your information to 360beyond@gmail.com with all of the details.

 

Silence In Creativity

Silence.

Where does silence belong in the phenomena of creativity?  I believe creativity finds and forces the Creator or Artist to be at a level of introspection that can’t be attained through conversation or public interaction.  One must be at rest, not sleep, though inspiration can come from slumber but ultimately, you have to be….still.

Self-centered in silence to find your unique voice and thoughts, to subdue immediate external noises and influences; to hear the gentle persuasion of new ideas and images to stimulate the imagination.

The writer, Leo Babauta, wrote the post No. 1 Habit of Highly Creative People on the blog, ZenHabits states, “Creativity flourishes in solitude. With quiet, you can hear your thoughts, you can reach deep within yourself, you can focus.” He goes on further in the post to say, “The best art is created in solitude, for good reason: it’s only when we are alone that we can reach into ourselves and find truth, beauty, soul. “

Also, on the post Babauta explores the insights of other artists/writers, on their habits and similar view of silence or solitude and the impact that it has in their lives and endeavors. It’s a great read be sure to check it out.

I definitely concur with the need of silence or time alone. Today, with so many interruptions; parental responsibilities, work, technology and the list goes on; the window of opportunity for private time for oneself can be very limited. To balance out the daily requirements for all things important in our lives, as an artist, you must decide when to sacrifice and tolerate the angry stares of loved ones, the missed chances catching a movie or sports event to devote to your craft. Its your talent and your dream and your life, so you must understand no one, and I mean NO ONE will truly appreciate your moments alone more than you do.

Uninterrupted time alone, your imagination and a medium on which to work and manifest your ideas, is an equation that is a prerequisite can only add up to a creative masterpiece.

So find a corner,

get silent and

Stay Creative.

-Pharaoh

NOIZ: The Arts, Culture & Entertainment Blast

The 13^th Annual World Music Festival is 8 days full of great music & culture from more than 30 countries. The performances are spread throughout Chicago in 20 plus venues.  See www.worldmusicfestivalchicago.org for advanced ticket info and program details.

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The "Ritual's" Showcase Featuring Yahdna, Armen Rah & Awthntik at the Le Fluer de Lis (the old Negro League Café) on 301 E 43rd St. (Prairie) Chicago, Illinois.  Spoken word, music food & fun. Tickets are $10, doors open at 8pm-12am TICKETS $10

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Chicago born & Grammy Award Winning Hip-Hop artist & actor, Common has dropped his memoir, One Day It’ll All Make Sense. A soulful and insightful book, Common effortlessly weaves thought-provoking and entertaining commentary about his early years, his Mother, manhood, Fatherhood and his ideas/philosophies. Engaging, the book represents the coming of a Blackman in America and how big dreams can actually become reality, through a strong foundation of love, hard work, dedication and humility. It’s a triumphant for American literature and a treasure for readers who make the perfect choice to purchase the book here or catch Common Tues, September 20 at DePaul University Bookstore for a book signing. 312-362-8792 for info.

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The UniverSoul Circus is back in Chicago, IL September 21 - October 16 in Washington Park. This is a very exciting and intimate event packed with tigers, trick dogs, powerful aerialists, elephants, contortionists, dance music and more. It is a sight to behold with guaranteed fun for the entire family. There are two shows a day and tickets are very affordable. Go to www.universalsoulcircus.com for info.

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Check out the play, SPUNK which consists of three tales by Zora Neale Hurston at the Court Theatre at the University of Chicago, 5535 S. Ellis. Call 773-753-4472 for more info. FREE parking!

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Released in 2011, STREET TEAM is created by a collective of artists & writers; Joseph Currie, Stanley Weaver Jr., Shawn Alleyne, James Mason, Charlie Goubile & Koran Curtis. This All-Star collaboration highlights the talents of independent creators in a major way! It’s not just a comic book project; it’s a movement surrounding Street Team.  There’s posters, the comic book of course and a video game. What? That’s right, a video game for the pc that helps go beyond the comic; professionally done and packaged, but back to the comic book. 

Street Team #0 weighs in at 28 pages of full color with a price tag of $5.  It features a roster of different and exciting looking vigilante characters; Stalker, Tiger, Aaron, Blackbird & Dodger who decide to work together as a team as one menace, Oguun a deadly psychopath forms his own villainous coalition of bad guys.  

Will the different personalities and individual styles mesh well as Street Team? 

Will the combined threat of each of the heroes’ chief villains bring down each of their cities?

The answers won’t be found here in this premiere offering but sets up great drama and action aspects to be explored and fleshed out for future issues. What IS inside Street Team #0? Let’s begin with the cover that looks more like a poster for a soon to be released movie.  It is a collage of the various heroes in motion with an ominous pair of eyes hovering above them, complete with creator/production credits ala movie style at the bottom.  Complete with the tag “We Own The Streets”, Street Team’s call to action, you are ready to jump right inside.   

The format for the story panels are done in landscape with great artwork and sharp dialogue and captions; no filler words or images here, everything serves the purpose of defining the world and pacing of the story. Without giving every detail away, know that the few opening pages are full of real-life possibilities of terror and it grips your attention from the jump (the beginning) with heart pounding excitement and ends with great character introductions that leave you wanting and salivating for Issue #1, #2 until the end of the adventure.

While other publishing attempts re-vamp their creative properties, the (I’ll call them the Street Team Collective) have assembled and formed as a creative force to be recognized and respected; Independent to win it.  Grab this if you’re looking for fresh, quality comic book to add to your collection. Purchase it here.  You should own Street Team #0: We Own The Streets.  ******

Creator’s Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/thealmightystreetteam

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Bandits by LM Preston is an adventure / sci-fi novel about the main character, Daniel & his family caught in a dangerous journey of escaping his Father’s killer; they’re looking for a powerful treasure that Daniel’s Father had in his possession.  However, Daniel, using all of the training by his Father, is determined to save the universe from the treacherous villains while avoiding other dangerous situations.

The book is filled with great world building elements describing very unique planets, characters and creatures. Some of the interaction between characters maybe, a little too much for younger readers, but ultimately, Bandits was a good read. Pick it up here  and experience it for yourself.  ****

Author site: www.lmpreston.com

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Released in 2010, The HORSEMEN: Book of Olorun Issue One by Jiba Molei Anderson published by Griot Enterprises is about the continuation of the new saga & mythology that Jiba started in early 2000.

Back-story:  The Gods invited Man into friendship and community. Mortal descendents empowered by worshipping Orishas eventually began to rule Man, they are called Deitis. The Orisha (Gods) sought to protect mortals and took the shape of man and defeated the Deitis. However, 8 of the Deitis remained to cause havoc but the power of the Orishas were born in 7 to fight the Deitis. One of the 7 was Shango.

This book picks up 5 years after, the hero Shango destroys Nigeria, the source of the new mythology releasing the seed of divinity that sparks an evolution of power among mortals causing a war between humanity and the gods called Deitis.

In The HORSEMEN: Book of Olorun Issue One, this history is told through the mind & words of the daughter of Asase, the Goddess of Life and it is a great one-shot allowing the reader to learn about the universe that Jiba has written. Full of the color images of unique characters and unique African storylines, this is a must for the reader and comic book collector needing refreshing literature. Buy it here.   *****

Author site: www.griotenterprises.com

Rating System: 

*Hot Garbage   **Stale Bread   ***3 Day-Old Soup   ****Decent Satisfaction  *****Good Meal  ******Great Taste   *******Supreme Flavor