Bruce Lee "The Dragon"

  Bruce Lee was widely regarded, as the greatest Kung Fu master of the 20^th century.  Lee Rocketed to international stardom, playing the character Kato, in the television show, “The Green Hornet.  Immediately after, in his first staring role, “Fist of Fury”, Lee electrified the screen like no other. Indeed, the movie propelled Lee’s career to new heights, and helped him emerge as the greatest martial artist ever.  Lee had several other successful films as well, such as “The Chinese Connection, and “Way Of The Dragon”. Perhaps, Lee’s greatest work was the martial arts blockbuster,  “Enter The Dragon. It is true; this particular feature is arguably one of the greatest action films ever created. Lee’s films were entertaining, colorful, and spectacular.  Also, he kept his audience captivated and on the edge of their seats. More importantly, Lee was able to bridge the gap between martial arts cinema and the film industry. He paved the way for other actors, and up and coming martial artists. For example, Jackie Chan, Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Jet Li, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Lee’s legacy continues to live on through these individuals.

 

   Bruce Lee was not only an amazing martial artist, but he was also a devoted teacher, philosopher, actor, and filmmaker. In addition, he was the creator of the fighting style, Jeet Kune Do, or “The Way of the Intercepting Fist.” Lee was able to hone his style, by perfecting the teachings of Master Yip Man (Wing Chung).  Perhaps, through those early teachings, he was able to create his own innovative art form. Bruce Lee gave his heart and soul, and sacrificed so much for the betterment of martial arts.  Unfortunately, individuals such as Bruce Lee come once in a lifetime, and it seems we only got a glimpse of his greatness. His untimely death not only stunned the industry, but the world as a whole. On July 20, 1973, Bruce Lee died at the tender age of 32. The official cause of his unexpected death was brain edema, which was caused by a sensitive reaction to a prescription painkiller. Nevertheless, many concentrate on how Lee died, instead on how he lived. Bruce Lee was the real deal, an irreplaceable force, which shined like the sun. Moreover, he left a lasting impression on us all, and ingrained his legacy in martial arts forever.

    

King Of Reggae

Bob Marley was one of the most influential artists of our time. Marley’s music has touched so many individuals, not just Reggae lovers, but people all over the world. Indeed, he was the voice of the people and the struggle that existed in Jamaica. In addition, his political power and his revolutionary approach seemed to enhance his following as a musician. Bob Marley was considered to be a musical genius that created a vivid picture of life through his eyes. In my opinion, his musical approach was totally opposite from any other artist of his time. He possessed a different sound that could captivate any audience at any given moment. For that reason, he’ll always be considered as one of the greatest artists of our time.

        Bob Marley was born in St. Ann’s Parish, Jamaica; he left home at age 14 to pursue his musical career.  Soon after, he became a student of the Rastafarian movement, which defined his signature Reggae sound. After Marley honed his style the group the Wailers were formed. The group members included Peter Tosh, Bunny Livingston, Junior Braithwaite, Beverley Kelso, and Cherry Smith. The Wailers were able to compose several mainstream classics, which made them musical icons. Indeed, Bob Marley led the Wailers to instant fame and many fans all over the globe. Some of the songs that helped launch the Wailers to success were “ I Shot the Sheriff” and “Burnin”.  As Marley’s fame intensified he was viewed in Jamaica as a figure of mystical proportions, and was looked upon as a prophet. Before the release of their second album Natty Dread, Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston left the group to pursue their solo careers. During that time Jamaica was experiencing a very difficult political struggle. Marley took the struggle head-on and helped the individuals of Jamaica unify as a people. On the other hand, by him having political ties left him exposed to certain dangers. In 1976 an assassination attempt took place on Marley, which seemed to make the Reggae star have even a greater following. It is True, Bob Marley was with us for only a short time, but he made his mark as a musician and as a political figure. Moreover, he took a style of music and made it his very own. For that reason, the world will always consider him to be the king of Reggae.   

Gone Too Soon

  I’ve followed and studied music practically all my life. One thing that has always intrigued me are the artists who died before they’re time. Indeed, special artists who had an understanding on how to create unforgettable music that resonated with people everywhere. For example, artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Tupac Shakur, Christopher Wallace, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson. In my opinion, all these individuals have left a lasting impression on us all, which will live on for generations to come. The thing that’s so tragic is that all of these artists died at a very young age. As a result, many of these artists didn’t get a chance to reach their full potential as musicians. It is true, all these artists were uniquely different in their own way, but they all were able to reach the world through their music. Regardless, one can only imagine what these artists could have accomplished if they were here today.

         They say fame has its price, and sometimes fame can cost you your life. So, it’s safe to say that fame and success don’t always equate. Research shows that young successful people in the public eye have the potential to die at an early age. Dailymail.com explains that 1,000 successful people found that pop stars, sportsmen, and actors were likely to face an early death. In addition, the article mentioned that rock and pop stars that die at an early age were usually abused as a child. Moreover, indulging in alcohol, violence, and drugs can also accelerate the problem and lead to an early demise. The question that must be asked is what can be done to save our music and our artists? It’s very unfortunate that these artists didn’t get a chance to realize their true talents and potential. In retrospect I wish these talented individuals were still alive, but all we can do now is appreciate their music and the memories they left behind. Nevertheless, all these individuals left the world before their time, but their influence and their music will live on forever. 

Fashion Fetish

       As a child fashion was something that always facinated me. More importantly, I always wanted to be the first individual with the newest and the latest fashion styles. Over the years, I would become legendary for my love for sneakers and my ability to start fashion trends. I always made it a point to be the first individual to buy the newest version of Air Jordan’s, or the first person with the newest line of fashion. Indeed, I never did it for the popularity; instead I did it to separate myself from everyone else around me. For that reason, I became more engulfed in fashion and became more aware of the latest trends and the influence that fashion has on our society. In my opinion, besides music there’s nothing in this world that influences our society and culture the way fashion does. Fashion is an extension of self-expression, and it’s a way to let others know your mood and approach to life. In fact, that’s one of the major reasons why I decided to launch my clothing lines, Bostic-Abali and Double Krane, to simply express my love for fashion and to ultimately create an innovative line. I’ve recently partnered with a Philadelphia based designer, Robert Walsh who is the creator of High Five Clothing.  Walsh, like myself shares a love and passion for art and fashion. Some of my first designs will be released this summer, so I’m very excited to see the response that I’ll receive from the public. This August I plan on attending the Magic conference in Las Vegas. The conference is an important outlet tool for up and coming designers. The Magic show gives individuals a chance to network with designers and buyers from all over the world. In addition, it will give me a better opportunity to observe the newest fashion trends in the industry. Fashion is something that constantly changes its face and it’s direction. Therefore, as a new designer I must find new and innovative ways to stay current with my designs.  

Watch The Throne

   For several years, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has redefined the world of Hip-Hop. After the sudden death of rap icons, Notorious BIG, and Tupac Shakur, the industry has searched to find the new savior Hip-Hop. The thing that separates Carter from other rappers, is the fact that he set out to accomplish success not only in music, but in every arena that he’s entered. In so many ways, it seems that everything that he touches turns to gold. Carter is not only the leader of Roc Nation, but he also owns the 40/40 Club, ownership with Brooklyn Nets, and also his recent venture with Roc Nation Sports. By the mogul preparing to launch his sports agency, he’ll have to relinquish his majority stake with the Brooklyn Nets franchise. The first athlete that has been signed by Roc Sports is Yankee’s second basemen, Robinson Cano. Indeed, Jay-Z understands by owning his own sports agency, he can have a better opportunity, to become more hands-on with the athletes that he signs.

       Perhaps, what makes Jay-Z’s story so incredible, is the enormous obstacles that he’s had to overcome to become successful. In my opinion, you have to be a very strong individual to be raised in an environment such as Marcy Homes, to become one of the strongest forces in the entertainment industry. Jay-Z has also guided the careers of some of the most talented artist in the industry. For instance, artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kanye West J. Cole, Rita Ora, and Jay Electronica. The empire that Carter has constructed over the years, has allowed him more flexibility to do the things he really wants to do. More importantly, it has allowed him to expand his empire, and to further his success as an entrepreneur. It is true, the things that Jay-Z has accomplished, definitely gives up and coming businessmen, a model to observe and analyze.  Jay has given artists in the industry, the confidence to venture outside of music, and to follow their dreams and the courage to achieve future goals.