“You know you the best boy, you gotta keep doing it
But don’t forget when you do, just keep you in it”
– Kendrick Lamar on “Determined“
Determination. Merriam-Webster defines it as a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult. I think what they forgot about to mention is that to most people, it’s also something they care about. Why be determined to accomplish something unless it means something to you? You know what I mean? To me, determination is the continued effort to do something difficult…that’s also meaningful. And everytime I think about this rap shit, whether it’s writing a rhyme, shooting a video, or updating this site, I’m reminded of of it. I’m reminded of why I do this.
Whatuppppppppp everyone? Welcome one and welcome all to the Ajaxxx.com February 2014 Opinions Column. January is a thing of the past (wow, that flew) and here we are, full swing 2014. For those that’re new to the site, welcome…this is the one spot in the entire galaxy like Samsung where you can find out what’s going on in my head on a more personal level. For those that’re new to the site, welcome back! Anddd with that outta the way, let’s talk about what I’ve been up to…and why I’m feeling oh so determined.
NYC Trip
The last few months have been pretty interesting. I recently traveled to New York where I met up with the director of my music video “One of a Kind” (and if you’ve been following me, you know that it still has yet to be released). In my 2013 Year in Review, I talked about how I had been waiting on him to finish the video and how it was torture. Anyway, we linked up in Manhattan where he gave me the footage for the vid. So you guessed it, that means now the video is on me to get done. While I didn’t want it to be like this, I’ll accept it…I’m determined to get it done! Looks like this is another challenge for me to overcome.
“One of a Kind” Video to Finally Release
So with “One of a Kind” now in my court, it WILL get completed. I cannot describe the amount of excitement I have about this. The goal is to release the finalized video to the world THIS month. I’ve talked about this song for so long and it’s finally gonna happen. While the song in itself took forever to get done, the video’s been another layer of that. I’ve also been challenged technically with the whole video editing aspect of it, so that’s been something else too. But it’s all good! You will see it this month AND of course, after this one’s out I can start to tackle upcoming songs and videos for 2014. Remember, my goal is to do at least 4 videos!
In retrospect, I can’t front…there have been mad times that I should’ve given up. After the 4th mixdown of the song. After what seemed like endless delays for the video. After looking at the mountain of work I have ahead of me even after this song. It’s been trying, especially on my patience. I could’ve just stopped pushing and caring. But I didn’t. I went to NJ to shoot the video and got it done. I went to NY, to the director’s doorstep, to get my video and I did. And now, I’m putting the final touches on the video myself. Sometimes I wonder if the obstacles are signs telling me to turn away. And other times, I feel these are tests to prove how bad I want it. It really takes a strong will within combined with determination to get stuff done. And with this song and video, I’m really seeing that.
New Jersey & San Antonio Trips
Outside of the New York trip, I’ve been doin a lot of traveling, going to both New Jersey and San Antonio. It’s been a busy and exhausting time all at once. New Jersey’s always fun, although it was ridiculously cold while I was up there (shoot, it was even snowing). I was on the verge of getting sick the first day but my immune system overcame the drama and I survived it (phew! Lol). It warmed up after that and I was good. San Antonio was also mad fun, where I spent a lot of time on the Riverwalk and downtown. It’s the second time I traveled there. I had a chance to see some old friends and also visited the Alamo too. Both trips were welcome changes to the daily routine where I was able to “get away from it all” for a few days. Lots more traveling on the horizon!
So looking back on January, I can’t front…I have gotten a lot done. Between editing my video, releasing the Times Square freestyle video, and designing two covers (The Bravura Magazine cover and the June25thBeatz mixtape cover), I have been very productive. And I can foresee February being a lot busier with the official video dropping! So yeah, 2014 is off to a great start and I’m really excited about that. I guess you can attribute it to my determination.
Anyway, don’t wanna take up too much time, gotta get back to work! As always, stay up, stay safe, and hold ya’ head! Ajaxxx signin out……….PEACEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
