Not Your ordinary Blog

Dear Mr. Akapela Jonz,

I'm so proud of your progress. You've come a long way from freestylin' over old Rawkus Records beat tapes, to putting out your own mixtape, and now approaching the release of your EP. I remember when we used make a beat out of anything -- I'd grab a plastic cup and spork and make a beat, and you'd go in lol. You've always been nice wit it.

I don't think anybody knows just how great the passion you have for music is, but that's why I'm blessed to have been a part of this process. When the world experiences what you have to offer them they will never forget your name, but most importantly they will never forget the cause.

I can not say whats going to happen once this project gets released, but whatever it is never forget what you represent. Remember the pain, struggle, sweat and tears. Remember the faces that doubted you and the smell of deceit. Remember what being hungry and broke because you spent your last dime on studio time felt like, and after all of these things remember how none of it could stop you nor the calling on your life. Continue to stand on the giants shoulders with no fear of heights, or falling down.

I leave you with a quote from my favorite MC "Go for what you Know" - Akapela Jonz


Ya Mans,

Mr. Notes

What do you do for inspiration?

Artist Integrity

Prov 28:6 better is the poor who walks in integrity than he who is crooked and rich.

What's good young world? So I'm watching the Mo'Nique show the other night, bored out of my brain, and this cat Roscoe Dash is one of her guests. He's the cat that sings the "All the way turnt up" song. Anyhow, I'm listening to him answer the questions Mo'Nique is feeding him and this cat can barely put together an entire sentence (BUT HE'S GOT A RECORD DEAL!? lol).

He gets up to perform and you can't understand what he's saying... aaaaaaaand what little you can catch is either about some skeet skeet, swag or weed; but it gets worse. Souljaboy tell'em runs out on stage -- pants on super sag and a long red fox tail hanging from his belt (he really had a fox tail, watch the video lol).

Now don't get me wrong I would never dis what Soulja Boy and his team are trying to do and say it's not music -- because it is. But at what point do you stop and remember your integrity? At what point do you say, "My following is strong, my production is sick -- let me spit something influential, let me spit some truth about life; About my mistakes and how I learned from them" ...so that the kid that's looking up to me instead of his mom or dad doesn't have to re-invent the wheel. At the end of the day would I like to have some extra dough, a nice house and a walk-in humidor(lol)? ..sure. But not at the expense of losing my respect, my integrity and everything I've worked so hard for. I love this game, but on the real its time to start cultivating what we do. I coone for no man -- never have and never will.

So as we perfect our crafts as artist remember this -- a record deal and a large cash advance does not define you. Your fans and your haters don't define you. It's what you accomplish through your love for the people, your self-respect and your integrity for your craft.

What good does it a man/woman to gain the world but loose their soul?

Peace and love.

Greco's Pizza with @AkapelaJonz

Last Friday night Akapela and ya boy stopped by Greco's Pizza...check out the video!

-Mr. Notes

Deee oooo doubbbbbleee geee

WHAT'S GOOD FAM?

So I was on the book-of-face the other day and stumbled across an interesting question. The question was "why is snoop dog still relevant after all these years?" It sounds crazy, but its actually a good question. After a couple minutes of hard pondering (on the porcelain throne) it hit me! Its his ability to reinvent himself, entice you, make you want to listen and most importantly sell you a life style. Whether your in Long Beach, California, sporting chucks and khakis, or in a Yankee fitted and some uptowns in Brooklyn, New York, everybody knows or has a favorite snoop song. No disrespect to Uncle Snoopy, but his nursery-rhyme rhyme scheme plays a major part of it, too. I don't care what it is, if it is simple enough for a toddler to get, then its more than likely gonna be a hit.

My whole purpose in blogging this is to plant a couple questions in your brain's:

1. What does the "invented you" look like? What would your image look like/what would you want people to perceive from your artistry?
2. What is so special about that person you wish to be that's gonna make people want to listen to you? No body takes the time to sit down and listen to music anymore. We listen as we live. On the go.
3. Are you making music that puts you on the path of longevity or on the path to be gone in 60 seconds?
4. When its all said and done how will you sell yourself? You have to know who you are going to market yourself to, and where you are going to be the most marketable.

If you haven't asked yourself these questions...well my friends, get to it! Cause time is tickin' and opportunity could be passing us by.

And remember..

1, 2, 3, and to the 4........... (I think you know the rest)

Shine On Me

Sunshine...everybody loves the sunshine...folks get down in the sunshine...

What's good fam --

Counting your blessings in search of happiness is like seeing a blue sky and assuming the weather will be warm. Sometimes it just doesn't add up that way. So instead of looking around for confirmation that you are blessed, choose to be the light that brings blessings and warmth no matter where you are, who your with or what the forecast is like. If you are living through your hearts gifts and talents you will never have to stop and count the blessings. You will be living a life that celebrates the spirit of blessings. So make the choice, GET DOWN IN THE SUNSHINE.

EVERYBODY

LOVES

THE

SUNSHINE.

PEACE AND LOVE .

PS. Thank you all for gift of love and friendship in my time of need. I love you all. GET IT LOW.....LOL.



-- CliffNotes

The Charge

What up AG One fam..I know its Monday and everybody's gearing up for the work week but I wanted to say a couple things to ya'll. First off I just want the team to to know that I consider it a blessing to work with all of you. I learn and grow every time we work together. Whether the lesson is patience, how to write hooks, or how to keep a balanced life for the good of the squad. At the end of the day all of it makes me a better musician, songwriter, producer and more importantly a better friend.

The reason I do music is to motivate people. I want make music that fits the situations that life hands the world. As well, God has put it on my heart to share what I learn, encourage others, and create opportunities. This is my charge and through God, family, love, and AG One this will be my legacy. I don't just live through music but because of Gods grace music lives through me. So whether you feel the need to respond back or not, that's fine. I just want to leave you with something to think about: WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE?

Peace and love.


ya mans,

Mr. NOTES


PS- RESPECT MY MOGULNESS.