Saturday, August 16, 2008

Perspective



"Don't lose what you got trying to get what you want."
-Don't really remember where it came from, but I ended up saying it on a record and it's relevant.

I don't want to preach. This isn't so much a soap-box to stand on as it is "therapeutic". Perhaps it even keeps me from losing myself in the midst of all of this. Maybe I'm not where so many feel I deserve to be because I'm too conscious. Either way I can't pretend to care. The things of the world that I can't control or change are not in my mind at this point. Everybody loves to be appreciated. Everyone loves to be recognized. What happens when that doesn't go far enough for the human ego?  (Rhetorical)

Intentionally, this is probably the most random thing I've ever written in my life. I should say that I have an open mind, and I have recommitted to getting in to good shape. (In case you haven't noticed I'M A HUMAN BEING). 

I talk about "grinding" because the period of my life that saw a change for the better came right after I was stuck in a mode of doing whatever for my money only to spend it on clothes, clubs, and anything to make it seem like I was doing more than I was. I rap from that perspective, understanding that this is what the hood does to you. No matter how far I go, I can't pretend to forget having a couple of thousand dollars cash and feeling like I had made it or I was rich. Some might argue that rapping about drug-dealing, fornication, or blowing your money is plaguing society. I happen to look at it from a different angle. I think its expression grounded in awareness. Such an awareness that's not always present when you're in the middle of it. Consequence is often preceded by choice, however options are often few and far between where I come from. Now or never is the mentality that sometimes pushes people over the edge. Having come from that, my career is fueled by the opposite. Maybe I could rap from an enlightened stance (and lose the majority) and tell everybody to invest efficiently, take care of your people, and live a healthy lifestyle. However, i'd much rather lead by example and exercise my freedom of expression. I started something with a dollar and a dream, so can anyone else. Regardless of what I'm saying, somebody's listening (and reading right now) and I think that's the name of the game.

 If you're really paying attention, you'll notice then I'm an intellectual. I value making progress and making sense. Some artists do one or the other. I would prefer to do both. Nothing is perfect and neither am I, but I've thought far enough ahead to know that the change in the world doesn't start or end with me. I think everyone eligible should vote, but that just entered my realm of awareness recently so I've never mentioned it. I think education is important, but I also understand that college pushes some in to an adulthood of debt (hence the scholarship fund 12.15.08). I have a lot of conscious thoughts, but my music is full of wit, sarcasm, and almost a sense that I'm oblivious to anything that's not superficial. It's entertainment and unless you fully understood me, it might be difficult to understand. Dig a little deeper and there's something there. If I made it surface more it might be further misconstrued as preaching and as I said that's not my career choice. I'm just fine with being STAR. Even if that means a little one.

I AM $TARLITO.

Giving
Reality
Inspired
New
Direction

toward
Having
A
Real
Dream

Friday, August 15, 2008

It's a SMALL WORLD after all...

STARDATE: 8/15/2008
Location: Atlanta, GA

I've had a long week to say the least...Memphis, Houston, Memphis, Nashville (for about 12 hours) then finally Atlanta. Let's see, I won an award (Ozone award for Tennessee), been in and out of the studio, visited family, cameo-ed in the "Bricks" Video (Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane, Young Ralph), and saw Stone Mountain (a few times, JOKE).

I saw a fight at the awards that made me realize that money still doesn't matter more than respect. The sad part is that most people lose that value as they start to get the money. After all these years there is still room to learn. Cherish that value.

I happened to bump in to my homeboy T Streetz (Young Money). Long Story. But to make that long story short it's a SMALL SMALL world.

Pics coming soon...Back to the Lab!

Monday, August 11, 2008

On the Road Again/Deep in thought

STARDATE: Monday August 11th, 2008
Location: Houston, TX

I just got my tickets, i'm on my way to the 3rd Annual Ozone awards.  I will write more later but here is the footage from this weekend.


Saturday, August 9, 2008

PLEASE DON'T SHOOT ME DOWN!


THESE ARE THE SHOES I'M WEARING TODAY.  (Tenatively)

Hopefully you don't feel like your time was wasted by walking into my virtual closet. Just in case, I decided to leave a gift:





Tell a friend, to tell a friend that STARLITO'S WAY is where it's at. THE TRUTH, the  whole truth...so help me get to what's due for me...STARDOM


ON THE ROAD AGAIN,
$.Lito
GH,H.N.I.C.

I ain't giving them country boys Nothing!!!


Bernard Jeffrey McCullough (October 5, 1957-August 9, 2008)
NOT BERNIE MAC! Who else are we left to rely on for that natural comedic feel from the black experience. The only likely heir, in my mind, is Mike Epps. That being said, I only wanted to chime in and create my own memoir of what is lost. I never met the guy, but I guess his edginess was so familiar through film and routine that it feels like I've personally lost something. 
Comedy often times gets me through my day. I guess that's why i had Bernie Mac's segment from "The Original Kings of Comedy" on my iPod at one time. I don't think there was a role that I can remember him playing where he didn't add (often times needed) energy, spice, and charisma that help make the films memorable. I hope I will try not to ruffle the feathers of any Richard Pryor fans, but we may have lost one of the greatest black comedic figures EVER.
Last I heard, Mike Epps was to be staring as Richard Pryor in a 'biopic'. I've been waiting patiently for 2+ years. Perhaps like Pryor we will have to wait 20 or so years before another talent comes along with the natural charisma to play Bernie Mac in film. I'm not just mourning. We are talking about the poor man's Bill Cosby here. TV Guides's #47 ranked TV father. Comedy Central's #72 ranked stand up comedian. Underrated, overly talented. Hey that's the story of my life...

I'm so thankful to have the greatest stylist in the world as I get ready to embark in a busy weekend. (BTG, enquire via email: ghonlinebiz@gmail.com) If you care, at today's 6th Annual Crunkfest I will be wearing Air Burst. I'm addicted to FLY. I'm still working on "Altitude" with super producer NYSE. Fate Eastwood produced my new single "Crazy" featuring Lil' Wayne. And I've been doing freestyles and cranking out records like a prize fighter sparring before a big fight. The evidence will present itself. Even through this BLOG. STAY TUNED...

And lighten up, Bernie Mac's joke at Obama's dinner wasn't nearly as bad as Jesse Jackson's comments directed towards Barack. 

IT'S JUST MY THOUGHTS, JUST WHAT I WAS FEELING AT THE TIME,
$.LITO
GH, H.N.I.C.


Friday, August 8, 2008

I'm going to be a Giant!


The Future Star pictured is my Goddaughter, Kailey. She made here recording debut on yesterday at the ripe old age of 28...months that is. At her first oppurtunity to grace the microphone she yelled the words, "I'm going to be a giant!!!". She then performed an a capella remix of my "A to Z" and "Alphabet Soup" records. Actually, she sang her ABC's (semi-fluently). I hope my often only self absorbed humor is a waste of words, but this is, like most of mine tend to be, a true story. If only for an hour or so, my recording session for DJ Crisis' "The Tennakeyan 2" had a pleasant and entertaining recess. 

The purpose of this blog is not merely promotion just because i'm a recording artist and executive. It's a form of free expression. I plan to inform readers and show that the things that matter to me probably aren't to far off from their own. "Honesty, Loyalty, Friends, and then wealth." as one Shawn Carter once mentioned. Regardless of perception,  I still maintain the morals enstilled in me from my youth. This is just another vessel. I thought to myself, "Why can't I write a blog...I write raps. (Very, Very Well at that).

I've attached links to other relevant material to me (personally and professionally). 

Expect an entry every other day or so. 


The only way,
$.Lito
GH, H.N.I.C.