“Let me relive my younger days just once again, reenact my memories
from every friend to every sin, keeping demons buried in…
my closet, but yet I put in work like a deposit
on my bank account, My eyes lit while I think about my childhood
now I’m blanking out, those were truly my best days…”
– J. Cole on “Farewell“
I’ve been doing a lot of reading about time lately. I’ve also had a few convos with some friends over the last month on the topic too. For some reason, time seems to move much faster now than when we were younger. Moments that you looked forward to are just blurs in the past now. Milestones have become memories, and it’s hard to comprehend why. I don’t know what it is (and there are a ton of theories out there), but time flies much faster when you get older. Compound that with not “taking the time to smell the roses”, and well…it’s even harder to figure out where the time went.
What is up my peoples? Welcome one and all to the July 2013 Opinions Column. July is my birthday month! With every birthday month Opinions Column, I get extra deep/philosophical/borderline krazy. This year is no different, especially since there’s a ton on my mind that I wanna talk about…especially dealing with time. If you’re new to the site, this is the place where I talk about everythinggggg going on within the chasms of my brizzain. And if you’re returning, muchas gracias! I love you! LoL and with that outta the way, let’s talk about something that I’ve been thinking about (and talking about) throughout the past month…time.
I shouldn’t even say it’s time I’ve been thinking about, but more about how fast it’s been going. When I was in high school, I swear…I felt like it took a million years. Fast forward (literally) to college, and it seemed like I graduated from college ridiculously fast. I mean, I remember both, but it just seems like college went by faster…when in actuality, I spent more time there than I did in high school. What’s that all about? I remember how long I waited til I took my trip to Singapore last year, and it’s already been six months now. Or what about how slow it felt when I dropped my first CD, and how I’ve already dropped four CDs since? I don’t know what it is, but time is moving faster than ever.
So Why Does Time Fly as We Get Older?
In my opinion, it’s three things: 1) There’s more to do 2) Our memories fade as we get older so we don’t remember everything; just the highlights and 3) time is relative.
So you must be wondering, right? Why all this obsession about time anyway? Honestly, I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of it. But more than ever (and especially because this is my birthday month and I feel myself getting older), I realize that there’s still so much for me to do and time hasn’t slowed down. Although I have done a lot this year, I don’t feel like I’ve done enough. Yes, I’ve released a mixtape, shot a video, and even moved. Yes, it’s still July and not December. And yes, I have other obligations too. However, I feel like I have to work more creatively and manage time differently if I wanna accomplish all my goals. This gets compounded when you’re working on someone else’s time, but I still feel like there’s things I can do to help the situation. It’s not easy. Actually, easy is not even close. But time is not slowing down and I gotta make moves.
So what do you have in store Ajaxxx? Well, I’ve gotta work to finish my CD, shoot and release more videos this year, make strides with web design, get back to a hardcore gym regimen, and take a couple of more trips this year too. Is it a lot? Absolutely. There’s a ton of things on my plate and I realize that. But with time moving faster than ever, I have to take on as much as possible to balance the beam. Good luck, Ajaxxx.
New Music I’ve Been Listening To
J. Cole – Borner Sinner
Jermaine Cole returns with his sophomore album “Born Sinner”, the highly-anticipated follow up to “Cole World: A Sideline Story” (which was one of my personal favs when it dropped). So what’d I think of the new CD? Well, it’s “good.” There are a ton of tracks I like, Cole is still spittin’ that heat, and it’s better than a lot of other stuff that’s out right now. However, it did leave me wanting more. A lot of the songs seemed to be on the same vibe like girls and dealing with the game. Also, I did think it was kinda long. He could’ve cut down a few songs to make it more solid. I enjoy the introspective, getcha-thinkin’ Cole that I’ve heard on other songs. I actually dig his mainstream tracks too. But I’m sayin, it could’ve been more focused and cohesive as an album. All in all, with songs like “Let Nas Down”, “Trouble”, and “Miss America”, it’s a good CD…but with Cole not takin’ many risks (and with it not being enough of a leap for a sophomore release), it left me wanting more. Still a dope CD.
Kanye West – Yeezus
Ah yes, where to begin with this one? Kanye definitely took a huge risk with this album. He didn’t go the route on any of his previous CDs (closest might be 808s and Heartbreaks), aiming to surprise us with this new album. My take? Well, I wasn’t too impressed with it. Although there are some pretty good songs on here…and some of the lyrics are memorable…it was just too out there for me. I felt like Kanye was going more for a statement album, forgetting that he’s still making music for people to bump. When I get any CD, I’m not too concerned about the sounds or the song layouts or any other mechanics…I’m more interested in how the song makes me feel and if I like listening to it; all that other stuff comes later. So yeah, while I give props to Kanye for stepping outside of the box and being ambitious…Yeezus isn’t really getting replay value in the whip.
Jay-Z – Magna Carter Holy Grail
Yessir, I got a chance to peep the newness from Hov too. This is probably my fav CD from the Roc boys for a number of reasons. Firstly and most importantly, the production. Jay worked with an A-list of producers to come with some great beats. He knows what works and went with it. In addition, he didn’t stray too far from what he does. He put out a hip hop album with dope beats and dope lyrics. And yeah, although he does have some “weirder” tracks, he has a 90’s style album with this. My only gripe would be that he didn’t really surprise me with this album (and I was hoping that he would when I saw the commercial), but I’ll let that go. All in all, although this isn’t as good as some of his other classics, it’s still a great addition to Jay’s catalog.
So What’s Next?
The video. Yes, I’m expecting “One of a Kind” to be done soon so I can share it with the world. I’ve got a lot of work to do once the video’s out, and I’m getting ready for it. In the meantime, download the single on iTunes!
Philly trip. I’m traveling to Philly next week for a Sindhi event, which should be a lot of fun. I’ve gone in years past and it’s always great to meet new people and connect with your culture. So there’s lots to look forward to right around the corner.
The gym. I haven’t gym’ed it up in a minute, and I really gotta get back. I’ve been eating well, working out at home, and also going to the pool, but again…I can do more and I will.
And After That?
It’s been a krazy last few years, I can’t lie. I’ve felt every emotion, gone through endless struggles, and questioned myself time and time again. The only thing that has really gotten me through all of it is my faith. I’ve held on tight to it especially in the most trying of times, and I know I’ll continue to do so. As I celebrate another year of life, I have to thank the Man upstairs for everything.
This year has been one helluva rollercoaster. Honestly, 2013 will go down in the history books for a number of reasons. Musically, I feel like I’ve gotten back to my groove. I dropped a CD, released a single, and I’m back collaborating with Orlando artists too. Health-wise, I’ve been challenged tremendously too, going to doctor after doctor for a variety of reasons. Don’t worry, I’m okay…but the road has been bumpy.
I’m getting older and time is flying faster than ever before. If I wanna succeed, I have to take the necessary steps to make it happen. I know it’s gonna take a lot of work and even more time management, but I’m up for the challenge. Thank you to everyone that’s supported me up to this point, and everyone who’ll be supporting me in the future…the super-eventful future.
And with that, I’m outta here! As always, stay up, stay safe, and hold ya’ head…Ajaxxx signin’ out, PEACEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Photo credits:
speakanddeliver.blogspot.com
imagineyourselfthere.com
dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com
