From glorfying guns to glorfying God

When I was in high school school, Cassidy's on-wax persona was one unequivocally dedicated to misogyny, violence, and self-aggrandization. For me, this video represents a refreshing departure from that narrative, an archived moment where this brother takes the time to utilize his lyrical skill to uplift the Kingdom.

I'm not exactly sure what this means for the rest of Cassidy's career (truth be told, none of us do), but if nothing less it blesses my heart to see these sorts of videos and be reminded that there are artists with a genuine love for Christ willing to express it in such large forums. More power to you, Cass. Hope to see more stuff like this in the future.

Looking back.

Told ya'll a minute ago that I would refrain from posting my own stuff up here for the most part, but to be honest, since this is footage from one of the happiest days of my life, I'm hoping you can all make an exception.

The clip is taken from my recent graduation ceremony at the University of Pennsylvania. I had the distinct honor of being the first-ever Black student to be chosen as speaker for the event, and was nervous than a mug the entire time. The Lord really came through in a major way for me that evening (as He always does) and I can truly say that all of the glory goes to my marvelous, merciful, gracious God.

Truth be told, toward the end of my Penn career, I had a number of seemingly insurmountable obstacles standing between me and graduation. There were legitimately points where I didn't think I would make it, that all those years had been a waste of time and money. I wavered in my faith, and lost sight of all the blessings I had been given. One of my best friends, Jon, told me that the Lord had brought me that far, and wouldn't forsake me.

He was right.

Now, sitting here only a couple months away from starting life as a graduate student, I've decided to use this post to reminisce, to reflect upon what a wonderful time it is to be alive.

It is beautiful life, indeed.

Get your alphabet game up.

Subject line says it all.

Blu-Untitled(LovedU)2 x GodArt from www.loveonthebeat.net on Vimeo.

Had this track in my head for a minute. Just got the mixtape, and am eagerly anticipating even more inspiration from one of my favorites in the game, Blu. As I continue to work on my own project, it's great to hear others experimenting with flow and content in a way that urges one to dig deep. I'm about to go in on these tracks!

Had to show the homie some love

Started following Bilal about a day or so ago on Twitter. Heard this track and went absolutely bananas. Radiohead covers? That's what hot in the streets? To answer simply: I believe so, sir! Going to have to throw this on repeat as I finish up the recovery process from a recent immune system breakdown (gotta eat more apricots and such). Stay beautiful, ya'll!

Reminds me of why I want to be teacher.

Shivered down to my hemoglobin first time I heard this. Do you see the passion? The conviction! Kudos to instructor Gregg Breinberg for bringing these kids together.

I know I'm late, don't care. This video made my day!

(Marina and the) Diamond(s) in the Rough

Hey, ya'll. Been working on music all week, and can't seem to get away from this track that my producer sampled a minute ago. For those of ya'll unfamiliar with Marina and the Diamonds, well, get familiar. This woman's voice is bananas, and she's out there really making some incredible music right now. I've embedded one of her earlier cuts for your auditory and visual enjoyment.