[VIDEO] How To Make It In America: Episode 4

YEBies Birthday: Jim Brown

On this date in 1936 Jim Brown was born on St. Simons's island, an all-black community off the coast of Georgia. At the age of 8 he moved to Manhasset, N.Y., to live with his mother after being raised by his grandmother. To most football historians Jim Brown is the greatest running back ever and in 2002 was named by Sporting News as the greatest professional football player ever.

The most impressive thing about Brown was success as a multi-sport athlete in college. In addition to his football accomplishments, he excelled in basketball, track, and especially lacrosse. As a sophomore, he was the second leading scorer for the basketball team (15 ppg), and earned a letter on the track team. His junior year, he averaged 11.3 points in basketball, and was named a second-team All-American in lacrosse. His senior year, he was named a first-team All-American in lacrosse (43 goals in 10 games to rank second in scoring nationally).

When Brown retired at the young age of 29, he was the all-time leading rusher in NFL history. He is now the league's eighth all-time leading rusher, and is still the Cleveland Browns all-time leading rusher.

Today In Black History: Thelonious Monk

On this date in 1982 the great Thelonious Monk passed away in New Jersey and went to be with the ancestors. Monk was 64 years young. Thelonious was a jazz pianist and composer who is considered one of the greatest musicians America has ever produced. Monk is the second most recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington. By many accounts he is the founder of bebop. He is one of five jazz musicians to have been featured on the cover of Time.

Today In Black History: Huey Newton

On this date in 1942 Huey Percy Newton was born in Monroe, Louisiana. Newton's family moved to California when he was three. Along with his friend Bobby Seale the Black Panther Party was created in 1966. The party's goals called for full employment, improved education and housing, an end to police brutality and the exemption of Blacks from military service. Newton became the Panther’s minister of defense. The Black Panther Party established free breakfast programs for children, ran free medical clinics, and gave away clothes and food.

#CottonClubEssentials For The #UptownRenaissance [Mix]

DJ Spicoli and I put together jazz and jazz influenced songs for a mix called #CottonClubEssentials For The #UptownRenaissance.  This mix has a little bit of everything on it from many genres. Make sure you download this mix and blast it around the house or in the car as you get ready for this saturday's event.  Once again to get tickets for the occasion go HERE. 

Download: #CottonClubEssentials For The #UptownRenaissance [Mix]

5 Keys To Success For Entrepreneurs

1) Put The Business Ahead Of Fame and Fortune: The process of making of creating a viable idea is not easy. Even after you think you have a sure thing, that's just the first of many steps to turn that idea into a profitable product. There are so many people who are more fascinated by the idea of fame and recognition than maximizing their time creating the best product possible. If your ideas have no real substance behind it, the process becomes ten times more difficult with your mind on the end.

2) Don't Be Afraid To Start From Scratch: Sometimes you may work on 3 or 4 ideas for years until the right one comes around and causes you to scrap all previous concepts. Instead of getting discouraged by the daunting task, use your past experiences to make this transition as smooth and quick as possible. There is always a project before the right project.

3) Be Ready To Hear No Very Often: Along with a great idea, entrepreneurs also have to have a strong will and thick skin. No matter how good your idea and product is, it takes money and backing to make it profitable. Continually getting turned down for financial backing will often make you second guess yourself and the future of your business. When someone tells you no you can’t be hurt for too long because that slows down the process of moving on to the next potential opportunity.

4) Lose The Yes Men: Family and friends can help create a strong support system but they often don't understand what it takes to obtain perfection. They usually become "Yes men" and it becomes hard for them to give the best criticism. You have to keep people around who will keep it real with you and not just stroke your ego. You should have a inner circle that gives you constant counsel and insight on your venture. To ensure you are getting good advice also make sure you consult people inside of your field as well as people with no connection. You want to have a balanced input as you make decisions that will effect your process and performance. It’s hard to take constructive criticism at first, but you will not be successful without it.

5) There Is No Perfect Blueprint: The problem with making a new company is that nobody knows your vision better than you. It often gets hard because other people have no idea how to market and promote it. Trying to follow approaches of other companies may help but are not the only way to make sure you are successful. Whether you are creating something new or an improvement on an previous idea, in order to stand out from the pack you must try something different. With social media becoming the way of the future, you can find ways other then traditional marketing to promote and expand your business.

[VIDEO] How To Make It In America: Episode 3

On this episode Rene tries to buy out his marketing partners. Rachel rethinks her future when she sees Ben. Ben and Cam work on finding a tailor for their denim business.

Phil Ade – Piece of the Pie [Video]

Here's the latest track from 368's lead MC from his #PhilAdeFridays series. Phil goes in this week over D’Angelo’s DJ Premier-produced classic.

"A Different World" Episode of The Week: "A World Alike"

Being that today is the 21 year anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison, I thought this would be a great episode of A Different World to put up. Freddie discovered that the company funding the scholarship is a subsidiary of a corporation with investments in South Africa. Julian proposed a boycott which angered Whitley by recommending that Hillman cut all financial ties with the corporation, as this would cost Kim her scholarship. A young man from South Africa argues against the termination of scholarships, because he feels that the success of African American students serves as a beacon of hope to black South Africans mired in poverty and oppression.

Today In Black History: Nelson Mandela

On this date in 1990 Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison in Paarl. The event was broadcasted live all over the world. In 1962 he was arrested and convicted of sabotage and other charges, and sentenced to life in prison. Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.

Raphael Saadiq “Good Man” [VIDEO]

It’s nice to hear and see Raphael Saadiq put something out for all the the good dudes out here. Saadiq’s Stone Rollin‘ will be out March 22nd.

Erykah Badu - Gone Baby, Don't be Long [VIDEO]

[New Album] Stalley - Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music)

Today the Ohio native Stalley, released his Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music) project. The 16 track album was entirely produced by Rashad. Stalley will be at Mishka in Brooklyn, NY this Friday for the FREE release party and performance.

Download: Stalley- Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music)

Wanna Go To Ghana With Lunchbox Theory???

Hey Fam,

Lunchbox Theory is cordially inviting you to join MoCADA & MVMT and ourselves, Thursday, October 13th, to Sunday, October 23rd, for a cultural journey to Ghana, West Africa. Featuring special musical performances, intimate film screenings, artistic exhibitions, and exciting cultural events, The Journey Home, will be a unique opportunity to experience the art, culture, and beauty of West Africa.


Highlights:

• Tour art galleries in Accra and meet local artists
• Party on the beach at Takoradi
• Walk through the forest treetops on the Canopy Walkway in Kakum
National Park
• Watch films of the African Diaspora in its cultural birth place
• Experience a special memorial ceremony at the Cape Coast slave dungeon
• Jam at a festive concert at The National Theater featuring Blitz the
Ambassador, and special guests (to be announced)
• and more...
• Lunchbox Theory, MoCADA, MVMT, and our partners, are more than just organizations, we are a close-knit community of individuals. As part of our community, we sincerely hope that you will join us on this once in a lifetime experience of fun, relaxation, and reflection. The cost of the trip is $2900 (to be paid in installments), and includes airfare, hotels, entertainment, and some meals. A limited number of seats are available for the trip. Please RSVP now for more info on how to register. 

Click HERE to register for further information and updates about the trip.

Sincerely,

Christine and Allison via Lunchboxtheory.com

Wale - The Break Up Song [Official Full Video]

Since signing to Rick Ross's label, Wale has been all over MTV Jams the past week and a half with his videos for "Breakup Song" & "The MC" off his last mixtape. Here is the full video for  my favorite of the two narrated by Morgan Freeman. #NODAYSOFF

Cotton Club Prerequisites

Here's the first motion picture video in a mini series called "Cotton Club Prerequisites" done by OBSHOOTS.  These short videos follow friends of the blog around as they get prepared for the event on the February 19th.  

Happy Independence Day Grenada

On this date in 1974 Grenada achieved independence from Great Britain. They were lead by Premier Sir Eric Matthew Gairy, who would go on to become the first Prime Minister of Grenada.

J. DILLA - "STILL SHINING" DOCUMENTARY [VIDEO]

Created in 2006, this remembrance piece is created as a tribute to the memory and legacy of James "J.Dilla" Yancey. This is a piece designed for his fans and supporters who knew of his accomplishments before February 2006 and those that have grown to appreciate his genius. Here, we gain a greater insight and understanding about our musical icon.

J.Dilla is Still Shining.

The Real Producers of the DMV Episode 1 [Video]

This was shot at Washington DC's public radio station WPFW 89.3

Starring

Oddisee

Hec Dolo

Maverick

Toine of DTMD

DJ RBI

DJ 2-Tone Jones

Quartermaine

Nas & Damian Marley "Patience" [Video]

Nas and Damian have put out a video for "Patience", the latest single off their 2010 project Distant Relatives. I waited for months for this album and I can say it lived up to 3/4 of the hype. This is a nice video concept for one of my favorite songs on the album. For those who don't know, this song uses a sample from the great blind Malian couple Amadou and Mariam's song "Sabali".  I hope we can get Nas's Lost Tapes Pt 2 sometime in the near future from LA Reid Def Jam.

Forever The Voice Of Jamaica- Bob Marley

This date marks the birth of Bob Marley in 1945. Bob Marley was born Robert Nesta Marley in rural Rhoden Hall in the Parish of St. Ann, Jamaica. His mother was a Jamaican teenager and his father a middle-aged white captain in the West Indian regiment of the British Army. 

If you follow the blog regularly, you know I have nothing but the utmost respect for Mr. Marley. Through his music he was able to get his message of peace, love, and righteousness out to the word. His music played a significant role in the independence of many African countries and peaceful elections in Jamaica. Marley has often been misrepresented over the years because of his marijuana usage. Those understand him and his music still fight to reserve his integrity. Most of his songs and lyrics are still as relevant now as they were the day they were created. His message will forever continue to live on through his music and fans. He is the definition of a artivist.

"Ah ha hush that fuss, Everybody move to the back of the bus"

On this day in 1913 Rosa Parks was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. She would go on to know as the "Mother of the modern-day civil rights movement" for here role in the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. As the story goes, Parks refused to give her seat up to a white passenger and was arrested and taken to jail for her actions. This caused a year long boycott known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott which was lead by a young baptist minister named Martin Luther King Jr.

[VIDEO] How To Make It In America: Episode 2

Ben and Cam find themselves in debt again to Rene and search for investors to get their jean line "Crisp"from a idea to reality. Ben also meets with Rachel to discuss their latest encounter. Another episode, another week of grinding.

Today In Black History: Ice Cream Scooper

On this date in 1897 Alfred L. Cralle invented the ice cram scooper with patent #576,395. Cralle was the first black person to receive a patent in Pittsburgh. A native of Virginia, he was born in Lunenberg County on September 4, 1866, and educated in the common schools of the county.

"Handkerchiefs, Heels, & Hangovers... A Night At The Cotton Club"

This February 19th, YEBies will have its inaugural Black History Month semiformal affair at The 201 Lounge in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC. As we get ready to re-launch the new site, this night of fun and camaraderie is in memory of the 1920's renaissance and the culture and style it cultivated and left us with. We felt inspired by the great events of the past held at the legendary Cotton Club, Savoy Ballroom, and venues alike from Harlem, New York to Washington DC to create this special occasion. We want people to come out ready to dance, network, drink, socialize, and most importantly have fun. Like our previous events, a portion of the proceeds will go to a charitable cause. For this event, a portion of the funds will go towards a teacher's scholarship at the Cape Mount Association; helping to pay tuition for future teachers in Liberia, West Africa. This will definitely be a night to remember as we take a trip back in time. The Section 8 Band will provide live music throughout the night and deejay D-Nice's renowned protégé, DJ Spicoli of DCtoBC will be on the turntables. The dress code for this event is 1920's /semiformal. The dress code will be enforced in other to create the ultimate experience. I highly recommend buying tickets in advance if you have intentions on attending.


I’m will be giving away a ticket EVERY FRIDAY from now until the event to loyal YEBIES readers and supports via twitter. To win free tickets this is what you'll have to do:

1. Follow @yebies and @yebiesonline on Twitter.

2. Retweet this either the old or new way.

3. Send your best answer to the question of the week to info@yebies.com

The winner will be picked by the end of each friday, and will be notified via twitter and then by email with details.


WHO: www.YEBIES.com
WHAT: "Handkerchiefs, Heels, & Hangovers... A Night At The Cotton Club"
WHERE:|201 Lounge| 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington D.C. 20002
WHEN: February 19, 2011 (10PM-3AM)
Why: To unite the new tastemakers, trendsetters, and socialites of the DMV and neighboring cities around an evening full of drinking, dancing, and music for a great cause. Also to raise money for a teacher's scholarship at the Cape Mount Association; helping to pay tuition for future teachers in Liberia, West Africa all the while raising brand awareness of YEBies as we prepare to re-launch our new website.

**If you can not make out to Washington D.C. for this night but would like to donate to the scholarship click the link below**

Detailed ticket information HERE

DYDC Needs Your Help!!!

DYDC (the folks who brought you "The Talented") is about to launch their website and needs great minds and people to join their current team. They are currently looking for writers, photographers, and video people. If you think you want to help this great movement out or know of anyone that may want to be a part of this, hit up; lndour@dylifestyle.com or king@dylifestyle.com for more information and details on whats next.

Some of DYDC's work:

Happy Birthday Langston Hughes

On this date in 1902 James Mercer Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri. While he worked as a busboy in Washington, D.C. in 1925, his literary skills were discovered after he left three of his poems beside the plate of American poet Vachel Lindsay, who recognized Hughes's abilities and helped publicize his work. Hughes is known by many as the "father of the Harlem Renaissance". His writings during that time period not only spoke as a voice for a large number of African Americans, but it also shaped the way many of them viewed themselves in America. Like all great artist, Hughes used his poetry as a vehicle for cultural protest against social and political problems.

Jabari Presents: Episode 4: 2AM Club [VIDEO]

In this episode 2AM Club invites Jabari to their warm-up rehearsal before a show and talks about their place in the music industry today.

New Music: Swizz Beatz vs. Fela Kuti Pt. 1

I know I'm a day late with this new music from Swizz Beats's #MonsterMonday, but it was sitting in my inbox and I just couldn't get to it yesterday. For those who missed it, this week Swizzy used Nigerian musician Fela Kuti for a 9-track mash-up of their music for his weekly release. This is just the first installation of this series which should produce some interesting songs.

Ex-Slave's Portrait Is Staying In The UK

Portrait of Ayuba Suleiman Diallo also known as Job ben Solomon (c.1701-73)

The first British portrait of a freed slave will remain in the UK for the next five years. William Hoare's painting of Ayuba Suleiman Diallo was purchased by the Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) in 2009 which caused concern to many in the Britain art community. The British government imposed a temporary export bar last year because of its historic importance to the UK. With the government and other private people trying to raise money to by the piece back, the QMA agreed to lend it instead to galleries. The painting is believed to be the earliest known British oil portrait of a freed slave, a African Muslim who had gained equal status in society.

Ayuba's memoirs were published as one of the earliest slave narratives, that is, a first-person account of the slave trade, in Thomas Bluett's Some Memories of the Life of Job, the Son of the Solomon High Priest of Boonda in Africa; Who was a Slave about two Years in Maryland; and afterwards being brought to England, was set free, and sent to his native Land in the Year 1734.

Diallo had been an educated man from a family of Muslim Clerics. At the age of 29 he was captured and enslaved and travelled to the North America. He was found in Maryland by Thomas Bluett who realized that he was an educated man who could write Arabic and brought him to England. He was introduced to Society and met Sir Hans Sloan and the King. He was freed shortly after due to public reaction and his profound background. At the time of the portrait, he was being regular individual in the the UK prior to returning home to West Africa.

Happy Black History Month

Let's try to make this one of the best BHM ever. Learn about people and places that you don't normally hear or see much about. Then take time out to then teach others what you have learned. Knowledge of self is priceless. There is still so much to be learned and discovered about people of color all over the globe not just here in America.

"At exactly which point do you start to realize

That life without knowledge is, death in disguise?" - Talib Kweli