[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