“Much success to ya, even if ya’ wish me the opposite
Sooner or later, we’ll all see who the prophet is”

– Nas on “Nas is Like“

Whatup my peoples? Welcome back to the Ajaxxx.com Opinions Column, the one spot on the planet where you can get into the head of yours truly. This past month was really good to me, so let’s not waste any time and jump right into it.

September, oh September. Generally speaking, Septembers are rough for me. In the past, I’ve gone through lots of bad experiences during the month. From nasty breakups to bad news, it’s always dangerous. And the 30th of the month has always been extra krazy for some reason. Well anyway, this September was far from that. Despite experiencing some lows (I’ll get to that later), I didn’t let it get to me. Instead, I embraced the highs. And yes, there were lots of them.

So let me talk about the highlights. Firstly, I went to New York and New Jersey this past month. Returning back to my hometown is always refreshing, but I guess it was extra refreshing this time around because I hadn’t taken a vacation all year. Just breathing the NY air was dope. Being in that environment is always great, I’m telling you. From the street vendors to all the different cultures to the outdoor street fair I was at, it was pure NY. I got a chance to see the new Freedom Tower, Times Square, and also the revolution on Wall Street. And of course, I got a chance to link up with a lot of good friends. All in all, it was GOOD to be back.

We can’t overlook the music aspect of the whole trip either. So while I was up there, I got a chance to meet some music people and follow up on some great opportunities. I had a chance to meet with a longtime-friend/producer and a super-talented R&B singer who wants to collabo with me. I also got a chance to touch base with an Indian emcee from here in the states, and also get closer to making my Bollywood debut (LoL don’t ask). All these opportunities inspired me and re-energized me, which I so desperately needed. I only wish I could’ve stayed longer to record while I was up there and also meet up with a few more friends/music peoples. I even got two more invites on the day I left. But it’s all good…the goal is to go back soon and really do it up.

So what else ‘Jaxxx? Well, I also got a chance to go to Tampa for the International Curry Festival. The what? LoL well, it was an all-day event where they had curry from all over the world. In addition to that though, they had live performances and entertainment. I had a chance to meet up with some of my good friends while I was down there, along with meeting some new peoples too. The atmosphere was really cool. Anyway, I connected with a lot of people and got the ball rolling on a few new projects. Again, being around all this gave me a rejuvenated spirit in regards to music. After the event, I wanted to get back in the booth and go krazy LoL. Shouts to Miss Monica for the interview! The live performance from Roach Killa was fire too. Big ups!

On the music front, I wrote a few new verses and worked towards mixing down a few more tracks. I need to hurry up and get everything done. Gotta buckle down this week and really put in mad work.

New music I’m listening to? Well, I got the new J.Cole album and I like it. With that said, I don’t love it. Cole should’ve really let some other producers in for production. He uses the same drums on a bunch of tracks, which doesn’t help with making each track distinct. Honestly, it reminds me a lot of the Saigon album – The Greatest Story Never Told. I was super hyped for it (and waiting forever to finally hear it), and then when it did come out the lyrics were stellar yet the beats weren’t. Anyway, if you can get past that, it is a solid album. The things he’s spitting are really ill, and the standout tracks are really powerful. He’s got a real talent, and I feel with the right production this could’ve been a classic. My favorite tracks: Dollar and a Dream III, Can’t Get Enough feat. Trey Songz, Lost Ones, and God’s Gift.

I also FINALLY listened to the Carter 4 by Lil Wayne. LoL I’m late, don’t hate. Anyway, I thought it was cool, although his new rhyme style really irritates me. It’s not even new, but that whole “say one line and then use the end word to make it a punchline” thing annoys me. It’s cool sometimes, but when you do it so much and so often it gets played out. For example, “I’m real and you’re not, fake to me/ I’m in the house and you’re not, vacancy.” LoL I just made that up right now too. Anyway, see what I mean? It’s cool sometimes, but I felt it was mad overdone. I can definitely hear progression in his lyrics, but not so much his style. My favorite tracks: Megaman, She Will feat. Drake (which I’ve been hardcore sweating by the way LoL), Outro feat. Bun B, Nas, Shyne & Busta Rhymes, and Mirror feat. Bruno Mars.

So anyway, while in NY and NJ, I did some soul searching. Whenever I go on vacation and get away from it all, I tend to that that. Plus I’m an overanalytical person as it is, so that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Anyway, there’s a quote that I’ve heard before and that I heard again that always strikes a cord with me:

“If someone wants to be a part of your life they’ll make an effort to be in it. So don’t bother reserving a space in your heart for someone who doesn’t make an effort to stay.”

I mean, how true is that statement? Anyway, this scenario presented itself to me yet again. Instead of letting it get to me though, I brushed it off. I’ve got a new faith that you can’t even fathom, so things like this (that would’ve probably affected me in the past) don’t nowadays. I’m tougher than ever before…believe that.

Okay, I think that’ll do it for this edition of the Opinions Column. Shouts to September…I feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and inspired. October will be a productive month for me. I plan on finalizing some new songs, continue to go hard in the gym, and also get back to the Hindi lessons (ahh)! LoL I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for reading up everyone…as always, stay up, stay safe, and hold ya’ head…Ajaxxx signin’ out, PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photo credit – New York skyline by wallpapers.varjati.com