Quote/Thought for the Day - 1/28/10

When we are deterred from our set path that we have labored on for so long, it is time to look in the mirror and re-focus, re-align, and re-up... JSawyer

J Says (Pt. 6)

The laborious struggle now flipped into an adventure of wonderment, the man set off down the steep path toward what he hoped to be a spring or some sort of body of water. More so embracing the solo aspect of his journey, he now moved from time of reflection to moments of pure enjoyment and even goofing off. Running and leaping into the air with all his might, he grabbed onto a branch that stuck out just above his reach. Unsuredly what the sole purpose of the act was, he simply swung to and fro for a bit with a childish grin upon his face. When he released his grip from the tree, almost instantly he found himself transfixed on a glistening spot just in the distance. He hit the ground with feet immediately churning and was off in a dead sprint. Shedding all of his burdens if you will, along the way the leach-like pack was the first to come crashing to the ground, followed by his cap and his jacket, then one shirt, two shirts. The next articles were a bit more challenging however, so hopping on one foot in hopes of releasing his feet from his boots that were so tightly fastened to his feet, he found himself tumbling to the ground and began barreling down the hill as if a snowball gaining momentum. Almost unaffected by the minor setback, he continue to lighten his load and strip the remaining remnants from his rejuvenated body. Just in time, he gathered himself back onto his feet, took three big foot size steps and one Jordan sized hop onto a bolder that sit three feet high, then launched his freed spirit, mind and body included, into the air to find himself splashing into the most luxurious body of water he had ever seen.

Pharrell's Keynote Speech at MIDEM 2010

Pharrell Keynote at MIDEM 2010 from thecashmerethinker on Vimeo.

One of the most inspiring creators that seems to have a pretty solid head on his shoulders, Pharrell was just awarded with the Producer of the Decade title by Billboard. Check it out as he unleashes his words of wisdom on us all... JSawyer

Hope For Haiti Performances

Above are my two favorite performances from the celebrity telethon dedicated to the tragedy occurring in Haiti.

Mike Posner - One Foot Out the Door (Ep. 7)

Puma Presents: Mike Posner “One Foot Out The Door” Episode 7: New York State of Mike from Mike Posner on Vimeo.

The homie Mike Posner continues to do his thing and populate his following. Check him out here as he makes a trip up to NYC and opens for 50, Cudi, and Wale. The kid is doing big things. Stay on the lookout... -JSawyer

Quote/Thought for the Day - 1/21/10

We as humans need dramatic examples to be shaken from apathy... -JSawyer

Keri Hilson - "Knock You Down" (Acoustic Version)

Recently interviewed by Billboard, Grammy nominated artist Keri Hilson straight delivers on this acoustic version of her hit single "Knock You Down." And yes, I am now in love... -JSawyer

Quote/Thought for the Day - 1/18/10

Life is 90 percent outlook. You choose your attitude and make things happen... -JSawyer

Supra Spring 2010 Cuban 1.5

While the Skytop II's were virtually a complete bust in my opinion, the guys over at Supra have seemed to focus on a fresh low top to add to their repertoire. Here you see the Cuban 1.5 in the four new color ways: TUF Black Perf, TUF White Perf, Red Canvas and Grey Canvas. Be on the lookout for the Cubans to drop in the upcoming months. -JSawyer

Photos from Jay-Z's Interview with Interview Magazine

Recently, that boy Hov chatted it up with the folks over at Interview Magazine. The topics of which included his favorite movie characters, his presidential amigos, collabos, and his consistent seat at the throne of hip hop. Be sure to check it out over at Interview Magazine. These are most of the pics that were taken for the article, all of which are fairly dope in my opinion. Long live the king! -JSawyer

200 Words or Less

200 Words or Less is a new creative writing segment that I will attempt to update as often as humanly possible and for me, you may never know... The writings could be about my day, some thoughts squirming throughout my head at the moment, a revelation I had at one point during the 24 hours, or any other piece of random nonsense I can conjure up. So here goes. Enjoy... -JSawyer

Amidst the sleep burrowed deep within the crevice of my eyes, I managed to gather up enough momentum to roll my lifeless body off my bed and onto the patch of carpet beneath it. Once on the floor I just lay there for a second, soaking in everything that this tumultuous Thursday already had to offer. Which at this point had been an utterly annoying chime of a cell phone alarm and even more menacing alarm clock located across from me. Several statements already forming themselves amidst my brain station, but for some reason made it no further. No sound, not one utterance coming from my lips. This awkward occasion caused me to linger there on the floor even longer. I'd say it was several minutes before I was able to gather myself and form some sort of speech, equivalent to that of an infant. Then it hit me. My intense slumber was interrupted on account of work in about an hour or so. The words that finally and triumphantly followed, were not so nice... -JSawyer

Quote/Thought for the Day - 1/13/10

Inspiration is nothing without motivation... -JSawyer

J Says (Pt. 5)

"So how do you think dad's camping trip is going? It's not really his cup of tea, ya know... the outdoors and all," the youngest of the two daughters questioned to her mother as she hurriedly scurry around the kitchen. Mom, still making her rounds around the table didn't even lift her head as she responded, "I'm sure the boys are having a good time."Almost as if she were avoiding the conversation all together, as she merely brushed the question from her memory. The daughter would not let it go, however. "Mom, do you ever wonder why he never commits to an outing like that with us? I mean, he hates the woods and trees and tents and lack of civilization, and yet he's doing this with his friends. He couldn't suck it up and plan something halfway more tolerable for his own family even? Finally taking a rest from her morning motherly duties, she lifted her head and walked over to her little one. "I don't question your father's motives, just as you shouldn't. You know he loves the three of us more than anything. His priorities are never at question in my mind. I trust his judgement." Tuning out pretty much all of what her mom had just told her, she gets up from the table and without one utterance of response she slipped off to her bedroom.

Affirmation, check!

Recognition is a funny thing. We all want it, whether admittedly or not. We yearn for it from the right people, however. Some are fully motivated merely by that of acknowledgement on the far end. And others obtain a sincere appreciation from it and use it as further motivation in their craft. Affirmation to me has not always been necessary, but when coming from the appropriate individual, I soak it up as a means to put things in perspective. Being a creative mind, with the gift of making a connection through written word, it is tough to see the light or fruits of my labor at times.

Recently, I was paid a truly inspiring compliment from one of the most influential innovators of the blogging and creative world. Marcus Troy, who in my mind runs the illest blog out there, probably did not even realize the impact his small statement would have on me. Something as small as a shoutout on twitter has given me a renewed jolt of inspiration and a firm shot in the arm of motivation. My sincerest appreciation goes out to Marcus and his kind words. Be sure to check him out daily at marcustroy.com. -JSawyer

Nike SB Paul Rodriguez Collection

Paul Rodriguez 'P.Rod' Collection at the Agenda Tradeshow from Chris Lee on Vimeo.

Footage of P-Rod's booth at the Agenda Trade show, where he premieres his PR brand. Dope stuff poppin off there... -JSawyer