SALLOUM

ideas | epiphanies | reflections

[rapmillionaire]

Gun violence, and Gun Control (laws)

Gun violence is a major topic of debate, especially in America.

Lots of guns exist in America. And, in Switzerland. 

Mass shootings in Switzerland are relatively rare, with two in the past 20 years.

The fundamental difference between Switzerland and the US:

In Switzerland, background checks are mandated, which is not always the case in the U.S.

The top 5 states for gun ownership comprise only .8% of the nation’s firearm-related homicides (185 homicides between all 5 states). The bottom 5 states for gun ownership comprise 4% of the nation’s firearm-related homicides (1,038 firearm-related homicides).

Texas has more guns than any other state, with 1,005,555 guns. Texas's Firearm Injury Death Rate 15.3 (per 100,000). [source: www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/states/texas/tx.htm]

Florida trails behind in second place, with 518,725 guns. Florida's Firearm Injury Death Rate 14 (per 100,000) [source: www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/states/texas/tx.htm]

Montana has the highest number of gun owners (66%). Yet, quite low rates of homicide due to guns.

What the data does prove to be true, however, is that where guns exist, suicide rates tend to skyrocket.

◾️So a strong argument toward resolving suicide, is less guns.

▪️Less guns does not evidently prove true for lower rates of crime/assaults, however.

Yet, where gun violence does take place, that is amongst 🔹 BLACK MALES in inner cities specifically, where poverty is rampant, and the victims themselves are statistically skewed toward BLACK ON BLACK violence.

🔸Mass shootings in AMERICA are majorly committed by WHITE MALES (54% of the time),

🔸and by BLACK MALES only 17% of the time.

[source: www.statista.com/statistics/476456/mass-shootings-in-the-us-by-shooter-s-race]

38% of whites own guns (highest percentage in the US).

However, amongst the leading causes of death among white men, gun violence accounts for only 1.5% of their deaths.

🔻24% of blacks own guns.

🔺The leading rate of death for Blacks (between ages 1-44) is homicide.

Thus, data plainly shows that the main cause of gun violence is due to mere gun ownership.

It hints to more nuanced variables of environmental and circumstantial factors being the cause.

For suicide, gun prevalence does kill people.

That's what the data shows, both in America, and in Switzerland, and across the world.*

My personal opinion and conclusion:

▪️I'm all for background checks. Background checks should be required (for anybody to access or own a gun).

But ultimately, guns don't kill people (except if pointed at themselves #suicide).

rather, People kill people. and People kill people due to

environmental and socio-economic factors (poverty, stress, culture; all a side-effect of capitalism, undoubtedly),

interpersonal factors (black on black violence based on personal conflict, not random serial killing),

and additional cultural factors (music, movies, video games, etc which i believe reinforces violence through validation/acceptability).

Sentiment of the normalization of gun violence in American culture, starting at Minute 9 [www.youtube.com/watch?v=u177HGnKoJA; #TonyYayo]:

One may logically rebuttal: If you take guns away, no more gun violence!

To which the question then posed is: And but then, who ends up ruling?

The bigger and stronger man? How do you defeat the bigger and stronger man if you don’t have a weapon? And he doesn’t either. You get a bunch of police to go fist fight him just to put handcuffs on him when he wants to fight back?

At a certain point, you need the threat of violence to keep order

The real threat of violence. It’s what makes people respect the rule of law. Not their good hearts. But repercussions (for not following the rule of law).

that’s the universal language that equates to ppl following laws: consequences in the form of “penalty” (fines, jail, etc.)

Some ppl might follow laws because they’re good ppl. That doesn’t mean all will.

And usually you’ll be surprised as to how many ppl, given the chance, time and again, to get ahead in life by doing illegal things— how many will actually eventually succumb to the temptation to do it…. This too is human nature.

Everyone has their price. Even you have a price, my friend. For some it’s money. For others it’s sex. For others it’s status. No one is perfect and above not having a price, whence given the contextual opportunity personal to their inner desires. This is the importance of and why religion is still very much a guiding force for humans. A true religion grants discipline through ritualism which grants a person control over their own base desires (I.e. infamously known as the 7 deadly sins).

In fact that’s exactly what makes world history and our current day what it is — opportunism. Napoleon Bonaparte, Genghis Khan, etc.

So what you’re stating, naturally goes against the reality of nature, and human nature. At its most basic levels. When the human being is studied and understood.

Your approach, also, when trickled down to its most basic level of functionality,— I foresee it will result in an unrealistic idealism that self-defeats.

Example: Even prison guards have guns and weapons. PRISON GUARDS…. They’re dealing with guys who are in prison with zero weapons and who are locked and chained.

Or is it that prisons spend wasteful amounts of money on weapons all around the world because they just don’t know better…. They just don’t understand that they don’t need any weapons at all to be successful in maintaining the orderly conduct of criminals...

hell, muh man, if that’s the case they all ought to hire you as a warden... You’d transcend prisons and optimize their whole mode of function it sounds like.

Your theory would prove true that even prison guards themselves do not need guns (since the people they are watching over are way more compromised in strength and positioning than the average free citizen of the world). ‎

I understand your approach. But it’s not realistic in the current world.

I think you need to preface it by saying that a government needs to be a certain way (socialist, communist, ?), for no guns by no one (not even the government) to actually benefit, via no threat of violence and crime, subsequently, occurring. ‎

What form of government would work best, under the pretext of “*If you take guns away, no more gun violence.

To which a further rebuttal becomes: I get what you mean … There’s lots of problems in society, and banning guns not gonna sort everything out, but I think would help to reduce amount of violence… and previous examples as Australia (or Serbia) show ways of tackling it. … my basic position is this one: www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/10/serbia-acts-two-mass-shootings-us-done-nothing-despite-200-this-year

To which we begin with the example of Serbia.

"A mere day after these senseless shootings, Vucic [President of Serbia] announced several measures that would prevent further tragedy. The measures include a ban on new gun permits, tougher penalties for illegal weapons possession, psychological checks of gun owners and an amnesty for the surrender of illegal weapons."

^ this sounds like the beginning of martial law.

And reminds me very much of the laws that took away freedoms of Americans (in terms of violation of civil liberties) after September 11, 2001, occurred (I.e. The Patriot Act covering a whole gambit of violations in the name of supposed ‘security’).

It especially sounds interesting when I read how fast the laws were implemented — “It only took two days, after two horrific mass shootings, for Serbia to act.” …🤦🏻‍♂️

I’m just surprised at how “effectively” fast the laws changed. It feels to me just a bit too good to be true that good intentions were behind such quick and swift changes in the law.

Side note from Wikipedia that aptly would fit the script: "Observers have described Vucic's rule as an authoritarian, autocratic or illiberal democratic regime, citing curtailed press freedom and a decline in civil liberties" . . 🤦

“A ban on new gun permits” —— this is a danger to the freedom of a citizen-populace… the founding fathers of America strictly warned against citizens losing their rights to bear arms (to keep government in check, and the powers that be, to keep their power non-absolute).

“tougher penalties for illegal weapons possession” —— this is arguably a good measure. 👍

“psychological checks of gun owners” —— I think this shall be mandatory in America.

“an amnesty for the surrender of illegal weapons” —— somewhat threatening for citizens, and dangerous for the well-being of democracy.

“(American) lawmakers will do little to prevent the next mass shooting.” — an unfortunate truth. The NRA and other “patriotic” lobbying groups and organizations buyout politicians behind scenes, to push pro-gun agendas at all costs, unfortunately, even if it continues to cost human lives. A sad reality.

“the US’s inaction boils down to the gun industry’s political influence.” —— 👆🏼exactly

“by creating an extremist view of the second amendment that is antagonistic towards any and all firearm restrictions and safeguards.” —— true too. I’ve heard a paranoid perspective about this out of political mouths myself, I remember.

“They blame mental health.” —— this is an interesting point; gun accessibility for those who commit suicide is strongly linked. I think we can all agree that anybody committing suicide or attempting to, does have a mental illness condition, by default (it's not a normal nor healthy mind that wants to self-destruct).

Albeit, interestingly enough, it appears that a small percentage of mass shooters had 'mental illness', per this source: www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/mass-shootings-and-mental-illness | www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/a-look-into-the-traits-of-a-mass-shooter

To take away arms from 99% of ppl because 1% act on mental perversion, I disagree with. Especially in America. And especially under a Democratic governance (matter of fact, let's have all citizens vote whether guns should be completely banned or not; let the public decide! I guarantee that the majority would state to keep guns accessible, respectively speaking).

“How do we know it’s gun access? Because when governments, particularly state governments, put into place commonsense safeguards, we see fewer killings, less death and less trauma.” ——— I can agree with this too, to a certain extent. But it calls for data presentation. And nuance in implementation. Like I said, if I am wealthy and it shows via the neighborhood I live in and the car I drive or the clothes I wear, and I know there is poverty and high crime neighborhoods less than 1 or 2 miles away… a gun for self-protection at my home to protect myself (+ children, and wife if I have), I should have the ability and right. Period. No discussion.

Because I imagine I won’t be able to hire 24/7 police protection for my home. And I am not waiting 5 minutes after a break in, for the police to show up to save me.

So any law prohibiting me from exercising this right to self-protection, to me, and millions of others, is compromising personal safety and the very basic sense of right I have to mere self-preservation.

Others love to shoot guns, as a hobby.

Or to hunt (especially knowing the American landscape and the edible game provided, albeit bows and arrows are also effective).

These two hobbies should also be enabled to man if man desires to be and feel free to live. 

Hunting is natural to the human species. And even translates into the most natural form of dietary nutrition (no hormones, nitrates, preservatives, additives, coloration, etc. added to the food).

When people keep crashing cars and injuring themselves and others — you don’t prohibit cars. YOU ENSURE FOLKS HAVE LICENSES FOR DRIVING CARS BY PASSING DRIVING TESTS AND INCREASE THE REPERCUSSIONS IF THEY DO NOT ABIDE. AND YOU ALSO LOWER SPEED LIMITS IN AREAS OF INCREASED ACCIDENTS AND DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS.

When people keep owning guns and shooting others, you don’t prohibit guns. YOU INCREASE BACKGROUND CHECKS, AND RESOLVE *CAUSES* OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND SOCIETAL ATTRITION.

To eliminate the “rights” of citizens is what governments always attempt, and it is done through new laws. YOU NEVER HEAR OF GOVERNMENTS DELETING OR RETRACTING LAWS. WHY IS THAT? To garner greater control over more people. I say, people should not enable the government to do that so easily. ❌

In fact, small changes added to gun accessibility would enable a better, more nuanced and realistic approach and understanding to gun violence. The moderate and balanced approach of neutral concessions is what’s necessary. Not the extreme position of zero guns allowed to any citizens. That’s nonsensical and goes against, again, the right to bear arms — which was the 2nd amendment and a part of the BILL OF RIGHTS (and CONSTITUTION) for good reason — through thorough foreshadowing of the protection for democracy to maintain itself as the balanced means of governance between citizens and their leaders in power. #genius

“ban assault weapons” ------ I’m not against banning assault weapons ✅ ; that sounds somewhat reasonable, but I would have to see more evidence on the impact assault weapons have on mass shootings and also personal conflict situations. 💡

“Buyback program” ------ Also sounds reasonable for those who wish to get money or whatever their incentive is. ✅

“When states put more stringent safeguards into place, fewer people die by firearms.” ------ I agree with this as well ✅ ; but my demand would be that the safeguards are nuanced. Not extreme and a complete banning of every firearm. ❌.

The US government can in fact stop gun violence like other countries have, but only if our policymakers start answering to the people, not the industry. ✅

Israel also needs to be held to account for their usage of US tax-paying dollars. And the amount of aid given to Israel, and specifically for what, needs to be audited.

AIPAC also needs to be registered as a foreign entity lobbying group. JFK attempted to do this.

These countries that ban arms so swiftly and quickly aren’t at the caliber nor level of influence of efficiency or effectiveness that democracy and capitalism provide to American productivity and efficiency and organization and institutionality.

So to compare their results with America is something to learn from, but by no means something to be implemented so swiftly, revolutionarily, and uninhibitedly in America.

The buckshot dangers of doing it at such a threshold pace outweighs the foresight, purpose, intention, and wisdoms of the founding fathers -- certain data provided countering that guns in general are the cause for violence, and the sensible inalienable right of self-preservation and protection (especially when it is not Law for the police to mandatorily protect citizens).

Make this the law, with proven time-response data, particularly in places where gun violence is rampant (i.e. the hoods of America), and I’ll be closer to accepting the extreme approach of gun prohibition.

Originally published: 09/02/2024.

[rapmillionaire]

Liberal vs Conservative #Welfare (Open-communication & mindedness)

To start, view a couple of minutes starting at minute 6:30: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxGPe1jD-qY

A couple of interesting points he makes on Liberals and Conservatives; their differences; and how it's important to know your enemy. The enemy isn't an idiot to be ignored or disqualified through and through 1000%; even if they are dogmatic or ideological and will never change -- the better you understand the encompassing psychology of

why

they believe what they believe (as pointed out by Peterson for why folks believe what they believe in, in the above clip), then you educate yourself that much more to acquiesce and successfully counter such ideologies, etc. Or better yet, find a way to play into their fears and desires, in a positive way for your own self, through use of figuring out your own objectives moving forward and how to accomplish them, thru dutiful mobilization, persuasion, or incentive (good business, as well as good treaties, are win-wins for both sides, not just one; And I'm reminded of this way of doing things by a man whose done business deals and has had major success in life (hence the saying that I reference by P. Diddy when he said: "we don't have to be friends to do business" 

(Min 2:30: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYzAdOTmKq8).

“You have to have dialogue between liberals and conservatives so that. . . “ : www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ho5VZp_ps4

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thomas Sowell

is a controversial figure with some interesting (maybe even provocative) view points on what causes disparities among class, racism, welfare, and more:

6 minutes long: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaMfurkOZ58

9 minutes long: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm-FqtAOSB8

A poignant point found therein: the data found on welfare potentially enabling less progress than otherwise, based on the system's setup and human nature within such system of functioning.

You'll find more gems herein probably: www.hoover.org/research/thomas-sowell-origins-economic-disparities

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Blame the welfare state, not racism, for poor blacks' problems: Thomas Sowell: www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/05/poor_blacks_looking_for_someon.html

Excerpt from this article:

www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/heres-why-poor-people-are-poor-says-a-conservative-black-academic/2015/09/03/df8ff1fc-1ab4-11e5-93b7-5eddc056ad8a_story.html

Sowell’s central message is that the reason some people are poor — in any country, at any period in history — is not discrimination or exploitation or malicious actions on the part of the rich. Rather, people are poor because they don’t or won’t produce. For him, the only mystery is why.

_________________________________________________________________________

My main point is, whether these stats and facts are to be believed 100% or otherwise, knowing the data and understanding how it has effects and impact on society (and the social psychology) at large (before and after the fact) I think can enable better problem solving, and a refined adaptation in the way things are being and become implemented. The solutions will not be formulated by the left alone, or by the right alone, but through hearing both sides with sentiment attached, data helping to lead the way, and open-mindedness to creativity and ingenuity, all back-boned by genuine altruism and want for a better community, society, and world at large, in the name of win-win works in progress across the board.

It's not always easy to do when we get wrapped up in our own social circles and identities. . And I'm no exception to the rule either. But knowing (this) is half the battle. The other half is (in context of the point I'm making), and I'll end with this quote:

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” ― Joseph Campbell

“The Liberal is more deceitful, more hypocritical than the Conservative. Both want power, but the White Liberal is the one who has perfected the art of posing as the Negro’s friend and benefactor.” ~ Malcolm X [www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYcxvnh4YtM] 

Source: www.opindia.com/2020/06/malcolm-x-warning-african-americans-white-iiberals-conservatives-political-pawns/

“I never considered a difference of opinion, in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” ― Thomas Jefferson

Perhaps Cancel Culture’s underlying pervasiveness has it all wrong.

~ Food for thought, as always

[Published on July 29, 2021]

[rapmillionaire]

Yé or Nay

An indirect connotation to “choice”, minute 7 [https://youtu.be/USddwTvRdJc]:

I agree with what Dr. Yunus says about the pot and soil being an essential ingredient/factor in how the seed flourishes. . . I was referring less to Kanye, and more to the fact that it goes against Kanye's outspoken viewpoint of slavery having been a "choice", which I myself found to be an interesting perspective and something I find leads to an intriguing conversation at it's root. . .

What I think Kanye said was a powerful anecdote and way of reframing the conversation. . . I took what he said as to mean:

"we (blacks) shouldn't have been under such control by the construct of whites and their framework for such a long time (i.e. that sounds like a choice to me)" ..

That's a powerful and revolutionary statement to be blasted to the masses by a pop icon. But that's only if one is able to look deep enough realize how and in what way this statement serves itself as true. .  . . The issue, and the big issue obviously, is Kanye said this from a framework of ignorance when referencing it to slavery being a choice. I fathom. Because he wasn't there (nor was I), nor did he know the conditions of the "soil" (bonsai metaphor) and the impossibilities of being able to "escape" / "rise up" from, nor did he know how many folks actually attempted to but failed (and in what ways they attempted, thus countering his point that they'd not been exercising such "choice" to begin with. The conclusion I found to be 'defining' by Yunus is in reference to the difficulty for that "choice" to fruition according to the "soil" ~ bonsai metaphor given by Yunus). That's the dagger to eliminate any validity toward the "choice" statement made by Kanye.

THUS, Kanye spoke ignorantly (stupidly) about the specific reference he was making. . . But his message of "choice" is a real one, and a powerful one, and one that in fact gives blacks, and Palestinians, and women rights, and all "pro" movements in general, a more electrified stance. . .  How each of the bonsai soils are, at the roots of each of those movements, will determine potential outcomes (of activism and progress made), in the same way that Yunus states the outcomes leading to poverty come from the actual environment and setup (systemic malfunctions), rather than from the actual people themselves (i.e. the ppl are not lazy, nor stupid, nor useless in the way folks often describe the homeless and poor).

I feel like i might've mis-communicated that in my first blog post, thus it could've offended some folks and even been mistaken as "racist". Overall, I liked what Kanye said most b/c it's a deep and embedded truth which has found itself to be unjustified in the most practical of senses for that specific scenario. Eventually such "choice" worked it's way up to now African Americans living better lives with better opportunities than they had just even a half-century ago. Which is a testament to both America's malleability in righting it's wrongs, and the spirit of humans to band together, fight, and support one another who are unalike, toward respect, dignity, freedom and justice -- which is what American was founded upon -- which goes on to prove that America's founding fathers' idealism is a feat that is able and capable of being achieved (not without it's faults, of course). . .  

I like kanye's criticality and reasoning and way of thinking. That's what makes kanye different (with good intent, yet not tastefully spoken always), and thus dope. He brings important points and a poignant perspective to conversations. Anyone who does that catches my ear cause I want to learn first and foremost to understand under what dynamic is what this person's saying true. That allows a more holistic outlook in the end, and provides all of the tools to really tackle issues which makes for well-fashioned dialogue whether folks end up agreeing or not. It does not minimize nor count-out variables and potentialities, which can only help move things along, so long as wisdom is able to anoint toward where goes what.

Obviously the mass mind and common public aren't able to comprehend Kanye's point of view fully. Especially not when the media takes it and runs with it in a wild and narrow-minded fashion without genuinely diving into the root perspective for how he comes to such conclusion, and where it's fault lies, and where it's truth also sits.  . . Another who intrigues the conversation is Candace Owens. This mind has stated interesting points before, one of which backed by data, and which I myself have witnessed first-handedly, in unison with what Muhammad Yunus has also stated - the primary of which I'm referring to being: welfare, and how that's detrimental to folks (not those who are handicapped or suffering mental illness of course since they do need special assistance). . I work at The Haven, a day shelter for those in need. I have witnessed the system encourage folks to not make progress and to maintain their using the system as a crutch (the welfare system, specifically). On more than one occasion, I have heard "clients" speak on turning down job opportunities because their welfare check would lessen if they took the job, and they'd much rather keep the higher income and stay with things as is (i.e. not working) then get the job. Obviously there is a lack of hope in what projection and trajectory folks believe they can take, and thus then achieve (in the form of "leveling up") -- this being the system's fault, from the bonsai metaphorical viewpoint -- due to lack of opportunity and availability of resources to build upon small-step wins, such as taking a job). . . What that then does to the spirit and the habit that creates in the mind of a person, of dependency and arguably "laziness" if you want to call it that -- indeed is an issue, countering human progress, disguised as "helpfulness" by big brother / the infrastructure / the government. Thus other notions of legislation and ways of workings remain the same, as a turnstile maintains it's trajectory and speed. . . And that maintains variables and factors, thus conditions of living as well (including constructs of poverty).

I find myself being less liberal on some topics, and overall more moderate than simply "right" or "left", on the whole. The fact that this country remains divided as "left" vs "right" is an overarching and deeply embedded fault. . . Two extremes, opposing one another with friction, leads to inundated manifestations of progress and at worst cataclysm. But bridging gaps, with both sides coalescing in ways where data and facts and critical reasoning charge the way, through pilot programs proving what data represents what specific contexts, enchants equivocated prosperity. In fact, programs (universities) should work with the government, serving as testing grounds for what answers and issues the government fails to fully comprehend, thereby achieving proof of facts and truths toward public policy and socio-economic stability among all classes. Social business is a way to achieve such means, if the government is unwilling to bridge such (gaps). An idea I have attempted to put forth is Resolving Poverty: a for-purpose figment that funds housing-first programs (housing for those who are homeless). This method of housing has been proven to be most effective and efficient in getting folks off the streets and as contributing members of society. When one purchases a piece, 90% of profit revenue is channeled to a housing first fund (of an organization rated well by CharityNavigator). Whence the consumer then wears the apparel, viewers will read and note the logo and the website attached, encouraging the interested to visit and learn more, and to support in more than one way (politically (search database), or economically(as a customer), or socially (sharing the word).

All of this calls for a transformation and transcendence of self. To think, dream, and evolve. That is what African Americans have done. That is what the Palestinians will need to do if they're ever to earn autonomy. And such intentions ("choice") for them to transcend is up to them. Nobody will do it for the other if the other is first and foremost unable to attract such assistance vehemently unto themselves. . . . Human nature in general is made to fight and rise above. Where the lack of such occurs may be attributed to the genius of opposition in subduing such nature from fruiting to combustion; castration if you will, whether through ignorance, or nullification in the most tangible of terms.

What Kanye said, I believe, reignites a numbness in a most critical and empowering notion of facets, maintaining guilt upon wrong-doers, whilst identifying an inner need to ignite and encompass position and movement. . . furthermore. . . Vehicles still made available.

Written on April 8, 2020

[rapmillionaire]

Resolving Poverty

Working at The Haven shelter, we run low on t-shirts for those in need at times (especially during the summer️). Initially curious to understand more about homelessness and poverty in general, I created the website [ResolvingPoverty.com] to inform and share the wealth of knowledge I discovered having looked into the topic myself and the causes, the realities, and realistically viable solutions via the most optimal means presented by researchers and experts on the topic of homelessness and poverty at large.

Following the creation of the site, the idea to create a logo, manufacture t-shirts, and provide them to guests at the shelter crossed my mind as an insightful and worthwhile project to undertake. I proceeded to order 32 shirts @alliedshirts to give to our guests at The Haven for them to wear. The idea is that when any person living on the “streets” wears one of these t-shirts/sweaters/hoodies,  curious eyes will pay notice and hopefully be intrigued enough to visit the website (“a homeless person wearing a “resolving poverty” shirt... let me check this out.”). 

The homeless individuals themselves, wearing the shirt, indirectly become an advocate of their own cause for betterment. This will lead the general public toward learning more about homelessness and all that it entails from a more realistic, empathetic, and pragmatic viewpoint based on primary & secondary source-research by 100+ authorities on the subject, with a “How You Can Help” call-to-action link should readers be inspired to contribute their time, money, or supplies to the cause of resolving homelessness and alleviating poverty by helping guests in need at The Haven.

1) A FREE SHIRT FOR THE HOMELESS. 

2) A PUBLIC SCHOOLING ON THE CAUSES/EFFECTS/SOLUTIONS OF HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY IN AMERICA AND WORLDWIDE (HISTORICALLY AND PRESENT-DAY). 

3) THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THOSE MOST VULNERABLE AND IN NEED SHOULD ONE WISH TO CONTRIBUTE TIME / SUPPLIES / FINANCIAL CAPITAL.

My goal with Resolving Poverty is to clothe the homeless whilst advocating for their cause, by making them indirect advocates - fashion activists, for the improvement of their condition, bridging the gap between homelessness-to-housed, benefiting all. to leave the world a little bit better by a redeemed social condition.

Peace!

#poverty #puthousingfirst #housingfirst #housing #homelessness #samtsemberis #pathwaystohousing #charlottesville #dayshelter

Published on July 4, 2019

[rapmillionaire]

A Letter To Kanye,...

To Mr. West,

A man who doesn’t support Trump. But supports that which is bigger and greater than Trump. And that which is greater and bigger than Trump’s opposite for that matter (Mrs. Clinton). You support existence. You support creation. You support the multitudes of perceptions and perspectives and expressions this world has to offer. Instead of arguing amongst the gunk of it all, you accept what Trump represents as part of creation, and a unique perspective he has hearkened, formed and shaped without it being defined as “good” or “evil”, but as existential for what it just is. Whereupon Satan influences and initiates and instigates and comes to form, you deal with such fears and threats through fluidity of love and acceptance - not hate, bafflement, judgment nor corresponding diatribe. There is perfection in the means of living this way, and the truth and energy you are giving the world. In accordance with the Universal Law, through free-will - God’s Plan is just as it should be in this moment in time. If Satan rules the world, Still he is under God. If God rules the world, Satan is just a thought; a thought in our own heads.

You bring a powerful and transcending perspective to consciousness through empathizing even those most abhorrent. That grants a power all the more power, taking the worst of fears and encompassing it thereby neutralizing the force of it’s reckoning by assimilating it into your own cognizance, giving new energy to its definition. Creation through exemplification. [the philosophy of language; a mode of symbolization characterized by the relation between a sample and what it refers to]. You exercise the God aspect of spirit and self in reference to the gate leading toward inner realms and spaces of high thought.

Even if “wrong”, still courageous in independent-mindededness. In genuineness. In empathy. Even when wrong, it’s to be understood the intentions sprouting from a space of love and at times ignorance, as us all are apt to such blameworthiness. You are a bridge in a multitude of ways. You aren’t here for the details. You are here for the macro level vision pushing consciousness forward toward expansiveness amidst the entropy faced on all of our doorsteps across race, creed, and politics.

In so far as one may say WHO IS TRUMP WITHOUT HIS BILLION DOLLARS (”but a scoundrel of a man”), they too may say WHO IS KANYE WITHOUT HIS MUSICAL ARTISTRY (but a “delusional”, “uncle tom” sell-out). The thing is – the character of Trump enabled him to make a billion. And the character of Kanye enabled him to manifest a vision. Wherever such characters rank morally, both are representations of Creation part and parcel of the holistic aspect. Alike Prophets. Alike athletes, or leaders, or geniuses - each valid in their own right unto their own pragmatics. You are made greater and all the more blessed and powerful by accepting with unconditional love an aspect of creation that is fathomably unaccepted by multitudes confirmed in their perspectives and understanding, alongside peer cohorts and social circle confidants, unto how the world shall be than how it truly is. Whether right or wrong is subjective, as what exists “is”.

Good and evil does not exist. At a fundamental level, there is really no good and evil in the universe. Everything just is. It is perception that frames reality. Good and evil is based on perception. Therefore the perception of good and evil depends on the one perceiving it. If you perceive something as good, then to you it is good. If you perceive something as evil, then to you it is evil. We can choose our own frame of reality or we can choose to follow the frame set by another in his perception of good and evil.   (circumstantial context)  

Good and evil is a judgment. . . To consider something better than or worse than is a judgment. Evil is something of inferior quality compared to something better, therefore a lesser good is considered evil when compared with a greater good. When there is no judgment, there is no consideration of something being better or worse than another. Everything is accepted equally as it is. (Judgment creates separation of one thing with another) whereas non judgment sees the oneness and equality of all things. Kanye's macro paradigm

When you see from a place of non judgment, one thing is not considered to be better or worse than another, but it is just different. Therefore all things can be experienced for the uniqueness and variety that they provide. In order to define what is, we have to know what it is not. Therefore light and darkness define each other while good and evil define each other. We cannot define the quality and quantity of a thing unless we compare it with a different quality and quantity of itself. But all is worth experiencing.   (circumstantial context)

Caring for oneself and caring for others is ultimately the same. We are all one being. Our true self is not our individual selves but it is the self of all. We and others are the same. If we truly want to take care of others, we must take care of ourselves as well. If we truly want to take care of our selves, we must take care of others as well. The evil we do to others is the evil we do to ourselves and the good we do to ourselves is the good we do to others. Therefore our best is the greatest good of all.   Kanye's macro-paradigm

From another level of consciousness, good and evil or right and wrong does exist inherently and intrinsically in nature and is not relative to human perspective. Good is that which contributes to the greater whole, results in greater harmony, adds to the increase of life, creates more order, symmetry and balance. Evil is that which causes a diminishing of the greater whole, causes chaos, imbalance and a lack of life. Good also results in more beauty while evil diminishes beauty. The standards of beauty are also found in nature in terms of proportion, symmetry, harmony, clarity, purity and pleasing to the eye. Evil and ugliness are tied as evil does things that obscures and distorts things in ways that does not bring out the beauty of the whole but makes it worse than before. Evil results in less freedom of joyful expression while good results in more freedom of joyful expression. The standards of good and beauty are tied together and can be perceived accurately with a higher order of consciousness, and not simply subjected to the relative whims of human subjective consciousness.  The reality of Trump ("evil") being met by Kanye West's paradigm of "non-judgment" and "oneness" displayed in his projected support ("goodness")  

ANALYSIS

As you can see, Trump is playing in the micro-world. Kanye is viewing himself in relation to Trump from the perspective of the macro paradigm. In other words, Trump is arguably evil (divisive) and considerably so (realistically, yes, divisive indeed).

The perspective I view Kanye from is of purity and empathy, and despite the antics - it's Kanye's intentions and sincerity (his well-meaning depth of nature) that allows me to give a pass in many regards. And yet this does not (and shouldn’t) exclude him from accountability nor the karmic repercussions of his imbibed miscalculations. But his vision extends beyond what what many understand it to be, let alone fathom for that matter. It's the media that takes advantage of Kanye's eccentricity. Anybody can sound crazy when what’s stated is established out of context into a 5-30 second blip of far-gone obnoxiousness.

Everyone must witness that Kanye, first and foremost, before placing judgment on the Kanye projected by the media. Whoever harshly criticizes Kanye's surface-level "antics" is blind to the deeper understanding of the context by which he projects and expresses. And such is what I refer to when speaking on Kanye embodying a representation toward the macro.

Kanye aims toward fusion as he speaks about and characterizes in the viewpoints and thoughts he shares in in-depth interviews and lectures. To be seated in the Oval Office (across from Trump, or whoever holds the office), such ability entails a bridging effect of sorts dependent upon both parties effectively working together constructively to bridge differences in the long run. Whether such occurs is up to the two men and the arena upon which they meet.

And thus, my understanding of Kanye. . . the flashes of immaturity and obnoxiousness (stemming from (Kanye's) sincere frustrations, sprouting into his macro-level-vision for the world to be a better, more livable place from the viewpoint of where he comes from and what he represents) doesn't do him much justice in the eyes of the world (the world is a harsh critic, quick to judge without taking the time nor having the desire to dig deeper (empathize) and fathom another's intentions or perspective from the person's shoes). Again, it's about understanding and digging deeper. I am enthralled by the potential a Kanye West is able to hearken by accepting an adversary and working with them in a way where bridges may be built and reconciliation and progress can be made. Through friction comes progress. Through leverage sprouts ability, and vice versa. As a man of cultural stature this has a trickling effect upon others below. A redneck may think twice about being racist toward a black if Trump himself is welcoming a black into his close-quarters. The trickle-down effect may be substantive.

Precisely because the tyranny of opinion is such as to make eccentricity a reproach, it is desirable, in order to break through that tyranny, that people should be eccentric. Eccentricity has always abounded when and where strength of character has abounded; and the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigor, and moral courage it contained. That so few dare to be eccentric marks the chief danger of the time. ― John Stuart Mill

A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. ― Albert Einstein

______________________________________________________________

IN CONVERSATION [Orukomi, of Nigeria]

There is definite systemic injustice, and statistics point to such truth unequivocally as well. But Kanye too has a valid point beyond blacks and racism. He brings up an empowering and lexiconic suggestion on what "choice" resembles. It's not so much that slavery is a choice. I'd say the slave mentality is the choice. The slave mentality. The poor mentality. The suicide bomber mentality. The rapist mentality. The white supremacy mentality. The victim mentality. At one point or another, the person being afflicted shall empower themselves. And the first step toward that is realizing they are in a sense, metaphysically, buying into a belief system creating the feelings manifesting the reality that is continually enabling a certain persistent dynamic to coexist continuously. Change is difficult indeed. But it begins with empowering oneself first and foremost, to see beyond. Visualization is real. We know that. And yet it is futuristic in its metaphysical nature. Meaning it is not real, on a tangible level - not until it is actually curated enough for it to then manifest. And that can take years if not life-times; the Great Wall of China was a 2000 year project for instance - thus centuries of lifetimes. And yet, sometimes one is so beaten down you cannot see the forest from the trees. It is hard to know because one is not in it. Yet agreed it is that only they can help themselves. Dependency is a huge obstacle toward freedom. Dependency and comfort. It is what is happening in Palestine currently, for instance, where some are living comfortably (driving Mercedes and Range Rovers, making cash, going to movies and restaurants, shopping malls, with some travel restrictions and inconveniences indeed), and other are in true poverty and turmoil and fear and under utter occupation (in the Gaza Strip for instance). And yet, "it is alike being in a bad relationship where everyone tells you you aren't being treated well and you should leave, but you insist that isn't so. Only years later will you look back and wonder WTF you were thinking. The mind is a very powerful tool. If it's not programmed right, you're screwed." Dependency and comfort, aka "bread and circuses" - a diet of entertainment or political policies on which the masses are fed to keep them happy and docile. Only they can help themselves is also a huge component. Albeit, back then it was tough for a slave to educate themselves, let alone read or write. And nothing is really possible with expanding your mind to see different than your reality when you're limited in the knowledge you can access. Now with the internet, we are in a 10x easier time and place than what the slaves had access to. But what Kanye noted, I think was a transcendent way of looking out of the box of victimhood, and really owing up to: "OK, how can we actually deliberately being the choice process of freeing ourselves"... and it happened. And is still happening. Kanye just happened to say it so brazenly. And that's what caused much of the miscommunication behind his good intent, albeit insensitive rhetoric at times - taking nothing away from a well-taken point for those able to understand it at another angle; a profundity of it opens up a perspective that indeed holds true to a certain extent, of a co-created reality, holding to account both parties as being liable to some extent or another. Thereby this more emphatically articulates and beholdens the conclusion of: "Everything happens for a reason". "I think Bill Cosby said something similar a while back" - click here. "But the change has to start from the grassroots. No more single mothers. No more girls of 12 having kids. No more aspiring to just be athletes or rappers. No more looking down on education." Single mothers having kids fucks a lot of shit up in the long run. "If the mother is able to provide well for the child, sure, but otherwise, the poor kid looking at a very tough life. And then the cycle continues." Habits as well. Bad habits and lack of knowledge. Those are big time detriments. Small occurrences with big time cumulative effects. "Everything happens for a reason is a cop-out excuse. [...] The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves...” It can be. But it can also be true. It is not that one just says it and then does not make change. Rather one accepts one's reality for what it is and yet continues to move forward and persist. And yet it never goes down well when a rich person says it. This is an esoteric conversation on a touchy topic to say the least. For a rich person, it may easily be taken as him looking to blame others, as a scapegoat, escaping his own accountability. "Oh, well he's rich, what does he know". And yet, when a poor person says it, the next logical question is: "so what's going to be done about it then #pro-action" - and this leads to a powerful empowerment of self. And maybe that's why, paradoxically, the media wants many to truly think that what Kanye said was absurd. It's like reverse psychology -- the media and rich fear that the slave mentality evaporate (by it being replaced with the, "slavery was a choice - and we are no longer choosing it!"). Do you see the juxtaposition. Change and growth and real progress has a lot to do with the mind and spirit and awareness. And creative thought processing enactment. "#TheFrenchRevolution - they reached a point where they were fed up and acted. People are too comfortable to revolt". Then serendipities come into play. Serendipity being luck ("luck" being the term used by the ignorant). Serendipity makes things feel possible and empowering. Unlike luck. "I think deep down people know what Kanye said has merit. Probably why they were so angry". Very true. Perhaps so. Looking at yourself in the mirror reveals much angst and disdain for all of us sometimes. #Denial. "The worst kind of liar is he who lies to himself".

KRS-One on Slavery being an agreement of sorts; a “Choice” ---- 22:00 min:

People don’t understand the perspective and angle you view the world from. Partly it is your inability to rhetorically persuade them. But I believe it to be more so toward Truth than otherwise. So many are taught how to think, rather than figuring out the best means/methodology/way of thinking, about themselves, and thus everything else.

Only when we move through life in the spirit of love for all beings can we melt the barriers that separate us from others, from other life forms, and from the beautiful mystery which is our own magical & spiritual gift. History will understand you better than the paradigm that currently permeates our present days and times. The moments you exacerbate with pride is when the world is telling you things must be one way, and not your way in the way you envision (with fusioned ideas) the betterment of the world through your vision --- whether it is for the betterment or not is subjective -- but the genuineness and sincerity and intention behind your ideas and visions I believe in, and elicits your means of greatness.

On Slavery (Oppressor vs oppressed) being a two-way street ---- 

It has been usual for men to think and to say, "Many men are slaves because one is an oppressor; let us hate the oppressor." Now, however, there is amongst an increasing few a tendency to reverse this judgment, and to say, "One man is an oppressor because many are slaves; let us despise the slaves."

The truth is that oppressor and slave are co-operators in ignorance, and, while seeming to afflict each other, are in reality afflicting themselves. A perfect Knowledge perceives the action of law in the weakness of the oppressed and the misapplied power of the oppressor; a perfect Love, seeing the suffering, which both states entail, condemns neither; a perfect Compassion embraces both oppressor and oppressed.

He who has conquered weakness, and has put away all selfish thoughts, belongs neither to oppressor nor oppressed. He is free. -James Allen, as a man thinketh

KRS-One’s food for thought definition of slavery and its existence, 46:00 min:

Some say it's blaming the victim. I say it's empowering the victim based on the potentiality for redefinition and thus a change in execution. Not undermining the potential karma & evility the oppressor will be held accountable for in what they contributed/acted/instigated/sustained thru-out. The point is to circumvent beyond the obstacles we face so to understand where true power belies - within the self & our thoughts and perspectives. Part of the reason Palestine is still in squalor is due to her being sold-out by leaders & cowardice; & due to her passivity/acceptance of such life. A choice by leaders surely, & a choice of passivity by others. H.Tubman's, F. Douglass', & R.Parks' acts of power also were choices.

The point of this posting is to spur thought and analysis. There’s no denying the injustices served unto one group of peoples by another. However the relationship and context under which such circumstances manifest are far more fluid at the structural foundation than we think. The point of me sharing these thoughts is to spur a different way of looking at reality so that we ourselves may circumvent above and beyond the obstacles we presently face (innately, and even socially), so to understand where true power belies - which is within each of ourselves and in the power of our thoughts and perspectives. Nature Vs. Nurture also has an effect and impact upon our fate and the perspective we hearken; there is no perfect solution, nor end-all be-all way of living. It is important to recognize nonetheless the light at the end of each tunnel that exists no matter how dire the circumstances we find ourselves in actually are. To understand that our lives as immortals extends beyond our current realm of earthly existence furthermore propagates empowerment unto the perspective of choosing who and what we become no matter where we currently stand in the structure of reality; where we fit in the context of it all is up to our imagination and the means by which we interact with ourselves and environment.

👆  Min 11:30 - 13:45

[rapmillionaire]

ON EQUALITY, THE WORLD STATE OF AFFAIRS, THE UNIVERSE, LOVE, WAR, AND COSMIC UNIVERSALITY

From Idealism to Realism toward Balance and Righteousness

Equality is that state in which everybody receives the same treatment.......... do i believe in equality? I do not believe I do wholeheartedly as I once used to. Maybe i have matured intellectually, and have thrown idealism out the window.........The fact of the matter is, true equality in our world is hard to come by. And that in and of itself takes away points from equality since it's relevance and significance in constancy of practice is limited and quite far-fetched in many circumstances. The extreme opposites of equality is NAzism, Racism, Prejudice, and racial supremacy (apartheid). I do not justify such treatments, however such treatments are much more liable to becoming the norm at the macro level of society, which then trickles downwards into the day to day micro levels of human and individual contact. Systemic oppression creates interpersonal tensions. It is rare you find that interpersonal tension is what is causing systemic oppression - it just doesn't really work like that. The system is way more powerful and way more absolute and institutionally founded in a brick-and-mortar sort of sense, than is relations among folks and groups of folks. The Macro influences the Micro in that regard I would say. Moreover, Why should everybody be treated the same. 

To the point of my Virginia Welsh Scottish Irish British acquaintance - Robert Brandon Smith III, he claims society is based upon the pillars of "Standards". What one race does and does not do is often a reflection of the whole - and such prejudice or respect is solely based upon the standards one race holds into account for itself. Thus, The Brits have done well in history - the number of writers, politicians, generals/navel men, poets, philosophers/thinkers that Britain as an empire has inculcated has historically placed such race and peoples high up on the totem pole of worthiness and respect by the rest of the world. And on the other hand, look at the Arabs and Africans in this current point in time. Each race and peoples has their hey-day. The Arabs certainly had theirs when they were leaders in science, mathematics, astronomy, etc. And the Africans - well they certainly are at home in the motherland, which was the birthplace of all of us (tell that to the Crackers! Lol), - thus where does the line draw whereupon we then begin to show empathy for the 'other(s)' and (not sympathy for that is superior in nature as opposed to empathy which is seeing eye to eye rather than looking down upon). 

Some races do better than others in contributing to the world and society, but in so far as to how much we do to continue the detriment of such pervasive behavior by not lending a helping hand nor allowing for opportune exposure for improvement, growth, and advancement is a social problem the whole world in all of it's areas and villages and cities deals with on a macro and micro level. The macro level is USA vs Russia. The Micro level is ghetto Latino's and blacks being ostracized by the racially charged Chinese or white businessmen when they walk past each other on the street. Well then, how high a standards does the businessman truly have over the ghetto poor brethren? If standards create a world of causation and attitudinal potential - then the poor may ultimately rise in their greatness through their morals, character, and high standards of conduct on the spiritual plane of existence (away from hoes, cash chasing, drugs, and materialism), which in turn creates an ability to live in a different world. And in fact, how advanced are we as a species on planet earth, when we are destroying a GEM of a planet via our greed and over-consumption and war-mongering ways for the benefits of self via over-zealousness, whence we have met our survival needs long ago - we are now in competition with those who are doing as well as us, or just about as well, and are exploiting furthermore those in detriment by taking advantage. 

So it is, survival of the fittest some would say, but such Darwinian theory and perspective is utterly sinful, for we are not animals but humans with intellect and God-conscious reasoning - so to degrade the mind and imagination and well-being of our own souls to that of an animalistic level (of sex, food appetite, greed, and the other 7 deadly sins - more pointedly, the exploitation of those weaker than us) is not only a disgrace to ourselves but it disgraces the communities we are a part of, and the standing of earth as a whole within the intergalactic society we are made up of and constitute therein -- whether we are aware of such existentialism or not. I am made aware of it. Though it has not yet been identified, time is the greatest revealer of all truths, and indeed, but to look out and beyond ourselves is a great way to come back to the inner sanctums of our beingness, with clarity and self-conscious equity in judging fairly who we are, what we've done, where we have come from, where we are headed, and what we may be able to do to right the wrongs we have committed, to redirect our course toward that which is greater than all of us - The Kingdom of God.  

Article: Islam Is The Kingdom Of God On Earth

The very name "Muslim" signifies literally "a maker of peace." You can never find another human being more docile, hospitable, inoffensive and peaceful a citizen than a good Muslim. But the moment his religion, honor, and property are attacked, the Muslim becomes a formidable foe. The Qur'an is very precise on this point: "Wa la ta'tadu" - "And you must not transgress" (or take the offensive). The Holy Jihad is not a war of offence, but of self-defense. Though the robbers, the predatory tribes, the semi-barbarous nomad Muslims, may have some religious notions and believe in the existence of Allah, it is the lack of knowledge and of religious training which is the root-cause of their vice and depravity. They are an exception. One can never become a good Muslim without the religious training and education.

All the Muslims, who believe in Allah, in His angels, Books, and Prophets; in the Day of the Resurrection and Judgment; that the good and evil are from Allah; and perform their pious practices according to their ability and with good will, are holy saints and blessed citizens of the King- dom. There is no grosser religious ignorance than the belief that there is a person called the Holy Ghost who fills the hearts of those who are baptized in the names of three gods, each the third of the three, or the three of the third, and thus sanctifies the believers in their absurdities. A Muslim believes that there is not one Holy Spirit, but innumerable holy spirits all created and ministers of the One Allah. The Muslims are sanctified, not by baptisms or ablution, but their spirits are purified and sanctified by the light of faith and by the fire of zeal and courage to defend and fight for that faith. 

It was this fire and this spirit with which Prophet Muhammad baptized the semi-barbarian nomads, the heathen Gentiles, and con- verted them into an army of heroic saints, who transformed the old waning synagogue and the decaying church into a permanent and strong Kingdom of Allah in the promised lands and elsewhere. 

It is stated that "all the nations under the heaven shall serve the People of the Saints of the Most High." It requires no proof to say that all the Christian Powers show a particular respect, and even deference when necessary, not only to Muslim Powers, to Muslim sacred places and mosques, but also to the local institutions of their Muslim subjects. The mystery of this "service" lies in this: in the first place, the Muslims always inspire respect and fear through their dignified behavior, attachment to their religion and obedience to just laws, and their peacefulness; and secondly, because the Christian Governments, as a rule, treat the Muslims with justice and do not interfere with their laws and religion. 

Space does not permit us to extend our observations over other points of this Divine Religion and Kingdom, such as the Muslim Caliphas, Sultans, etc. Suffice it to say that the Muslim Sovereigns are subject to the same Qur'anic laws as their compatriots; that justice and modesty are the best safeguards for the prosperity and stability of every State, Muslim or non-Muslim; and that the spirit and the principles of the Book of Allah are the best guidance for all legislation and civilization.  -- source: www.islamicweb.com/bible/good10.htm

Thursday, July 26, 2018

[rapmillionaire]

Are there any characteristics you like in Donald Trump? Think....

Are there any characteristics you like in Donald Trump? Think....

I'm considering what sorts of things I do like about Trump. Everybody seems to hate him. I propose: what characteristics does the man have that can be liked.

“At least he's openly a jerk. Not two faced like a lot of people.” — Hanmay

He is also resilient like a business man. A hustler. I respect his empire for what he's made it into. If he does cheat his employees then either file a lawsuit against him or get a new job. Either or. If he's truly in the wrong he'll get sued and lose. Otherwise, stop helping the man build his empire. I also respect his ambition, his drive, his work ethic. These will apply to any president. He's a hustler. I respect his empire for what he's made it into. 

“You can't be in his position without hard work. It's easy to dismiss him and just dislike him, without trying to assess him properly.” — Flamingo

With that said, I did not vote for him. Worst of two evils (him vs Hilary)? I don't play that game. I spectate merely at this point. It contributes to my means of also being able to maintain a fair and objective perspective.

“So I have been thinking really hard and everything that could be wrong in a leader is in trump - he’s a perv, too much money & power, he has huge ego issues, highly emotional, incoherent ..... and the list goes on! But he has also ignited the fire under so many other apathetic people, because their very existence is on the line .... but that’s not really a characteristic. More an outcome of his characteristics.” — Rukiyah

“I respect his openness. He says what a lot of people do but don’t acknowledge. He’s overall a crappy person imo. But i gotta be fair about there being good characteristics in him.“ — A

Nobody is 100% evil. Not possible. Not Hitler, nor Mussolini, nor the devil. Everyone has some aspect of light within. In fact part of being a Muslim and human being let alone an artist, is being able to realize, understand, and even empathize in some regards with all of the bad in this world. Whatever pain that comes from understanding that which is different from you comes at the cost of one’s own sand castle make-up. Accepting others for who they are objectively is the realest way to live. But to many it’s a disturbing thought. Let’s shake the cage. Let's question all avenues and perspectives, not just the one's that go against the grain of what we're used to. I didn’t vote for the man. But I prefer his craziness and realness over Hillary. That’s just me though. Millions would disagree. Cool. I want the realness of evil, not it's comfortable deceptions.

I learn from those who’ve reached places I hope to achieve in some form or another. Hence why I can respect a trump despite his craziness and ignorance and childishness. The man has lots of wisdom in business he has acquired that can be useful for any entrepreneur in the world. And that’s just a fact. The man is somewhat like Bush Jr. in the way that he is naturally just goofy and stupid-funny. And the mere fact that he won the election is like a miracle. i would’ve bet the house he was going to lose to Hillary. And she would have bet her legacy that she was going to win. And she did. And she lost. Complacency, we're all guilty of it. Even trump was surprised he won I heard. Which makes this all the more great. It is also a real proof of how much in need of a change the American populace sought for. And whose fault is that if we’re to point fingers. That too can be up for debate. Partly, I blame the mainstream media, for they’re the ones who develop mass opinion on a day to day basis: from fashion to terrorism to war narratives to celebrity gossip to financial advice to nearly everything in between from the days previous to WWI up until the Obama era. The same to call my family terrorist ones when America has more guilty blood of the innocent on it's hands than any militia of "terrorists" fighting for freedom against America's 51st state, Apartheid nation and occupying colonizer known as Israel. I also blame the American education system. But such two aspects are what make America, America. Including it’s fingerprint line for mass shootings to manifest. It’s the gift and the curse of American freedom baby. One story is rags and turmoil. The other is riches and power. All of our characters can either be the Hero or the Villain. Without a need for excuses, which are you?

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. — Thomas Jefferson

Donald Trump as president, it's good. This is all good. it's a learning lesson and a check........ The people who voted Donald Trump in are at fault. Not Donald Trump. Donald Trump is being himself. He can be whoever he wants to be. He's not a dictator who took over like Hitler or Sisi. You can't despise the man for being himself. The mere fact that we can criticize Trump so much is truly a sign of America's strength, power, and aptitudinal greatness for change. And the funniest part is we knew who he was before he even came into office. Those who voted him in are the root of the issue, not good old donald and his crazy childlike antics, prejudice beliefs and old school ways of expired conventional thinking. That had a valid means to exist back in the day, and now things are changing therefore that right for it's validity is dissipating, thus he is a man and a leader who is one of the last of a dying breed as far as the rise of new-aged leadership goes. The paradigm of the world is slowly shifting thanks to various reasons, including the internet and social media which are enlightening many who were once fearful of other ways of living and cultures and attitudes which creates prejudice and racism and hatred to begin with.

I think it's actually a great thing. And here's why. I think that what he's forcing people to do is have a conversation, and people to ban together and work together. You can't really address something that's not revealed. He's bringing out an ugly side of America that we wanted to believe was gone. And it's still here, and we still have to deal with it. We have to have the conversations, and we have to have tough conversations. ...We have to talk about why white men are so privileged in this country. — Jay Z

Anything can happen. It’s amazing, and also stupefying in some regards. But this is the arena of the nation in the most powerful of ways. How does Hillary feel losing to him?... Don't hate the player hate the game... I’m just stating the obvious and also showing the side of him that is valuable. I like expanding the view. Pushing the buttons of the rigid minded new school students and folks, especially they who so ironically think that they are open-minded when their political correctness and sheepish mentality for acceptance among the herd truly pigeonholes their right to critically and common-sensically think in versatile and open ways.

[Minute 5:13] 

[rapmillionaire]

Mountain of Fire—NABLUS

Having lived in NYC for half a year in 2017 (read my “New York New York” blog post), it was time for me to construct my third and most important hip-hop project, Energy & Rhythm. What better place to experience the seclusion and concentration I needed than in Nablus Palestine, living for free in my grandmother’s home with money I’d saved up for food - which would later become a void necessity thanks to my father enabling me to take funds whenever needed from the family business.

Courtesy of http://nablustahina.com

I nearly missed my flight to Amman, whilst at JFK airport, as I was on the phone disconnecting from a previous relation. And how timely it was. . . After the gates closed i texted my mom on the flight to let her know the desk lady closed the door and refused to let me on the flight. After some give and take I made my way to the customer support desk to re-book a flight to Amman when at that moment i received a text from mom telling the pilot was on his way out to get me on the plane. Granted I was distracted by the phone call i was on, the lady working at the ticket gate had decided to close the gate 5 minutes earlier than she was supposed to. After spending a few days in Amman visiting family we made our way to Nablus via taxis and buses traversing 3 check-points setup by the Israeli occupying government.

My plan in Palestine was straightforward:

In Palestine i

Created a total of 25 vlogs

I constructed 15 E&R songs and formatted the track-listing, along with creating the website’s essential sections (www.energyandrhythm.com).

I garnered a vast array of knowledge from various videos, lectures, and interviews I came across and i recorded many journal entries. Here are some of the thoughts I came across at various points during my 105+ day stay in Nablus:

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i left new york city. i was there for 5 months. was able to make some money on my own. i'm now in Palestine. I've decided to live here indefinitely, for a few months. if not now then when, you know... Nablus, in the West Bank: i'm living in my grandfather's home. he died years ago. and my grandmother (his wife) no longer lives in this beauty of a treasure so it's all mine. why i chose to leave new york city is weather is too cold now. and i experienced nyc for what it is. the place is dope. but only great for if you have money / connections/ good friendships. then you can enjoy the lifestyle of all what the city has to offer - from Broadway to the restaurants to the elite hang out spots. i wrote a lil blog post about it here entitled New York New York: https://rapmillionaire.com/blog.php In Palestine, the weather here isn't as bad during the winter time. and it gives me the ability to dedicate my full attention to energy and rhythm. am about to buy the beats for the proj. i'm living here for free, utilities paid for.. all i have to buy is food.. the currency exchange rate is good as well --- it's about 4 shekels for every 1 dollar. you can buy a good meal for about 15 shekels = 4 dollars. I've money saved up,and my father, who has cash flow coming in from his shares in family business has given me access to his account if i ever need money for food or to buy whatever. I've a lot of family in and around the city of Nablus. my grandmother's sisters, their daughters who are like my aunties, and their kids who are like my cousins. i hit up Jericho 2 days ago. It was the prophet Muhammad's birthday, everyone had the day off.  on the way back we saw scuffles between the israeli army and jewish settlers. ofcourse no violence, just a lot of shoving and stuff though. earlier in the day we saw some news media outlets in and around the side of the road in an area we were passing. word was that a 47 year old palestinian man was killed by a jewish settler. jewish settlers around here are armed most of them. and the palestinians aren't allowed any weapons by law.  these types of events aren't anything rare unfortunately

New year is always my favorite time. it's sobering. it puts in retrospect life's truest celebration, fleetingness, and memories, as well as a clean slate for what the future brings. it's gotta a sentimental feel to it that i prize. 

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ON ISRAEL AND PALESTINE Traveling has revealed epiphanies.  Being an American citizen is a blessing. As ironic and as much of a juxtaposition as it is, with my blood being Palestinian; Israel being America’s 51st state of you will. Life is an incredible journey. This world is unique, truly unique. A Masterpiece for each of us to willfully create or neglect, depending upon how we see our lot in life. And what cards we have been dealt prior.

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THE HARSHNESS OF ISRAEL IS NOT SO MUCH ISRAEL AS IT IS, THE TERMS OF WAR. israel is israel. nazi germany was nazi germany. "nazi israel"........what a befitting zeitgeist of terms akin to brother and sister. both uniquely using vowels, with a mixture of strong consonants. War is war. what israel is doing is all fair and just, in the terms of war. For war is war. It is destruction. it is hate. it is rebelliousness. it is a clashing of identity. it is the manifesting of a vision. who has more conviction and is willing to die and has more stratagem in their brains and will deceive for whatever reasons why -- war is war -- victory is the goal. Not justice nor fairness nor equity (to be told, for), this is war. Palestine seeks mercy. peace signs in war. they have lost their gusto to fight because they have lost their identity in their OWN HOME. they seek mercy. But war is war. Israel won't relinquish until they taste (victory) the reward of the goal. the victor never stops, not even near the finish line. those who've been defeated seek peace, but Israel knows the heart of it's opposition, after having purchased a retreat, will gather up their wind, and come back stronger than back then. so they keep with the press, to ensure no hope is left, and whence finally met, (the goal of) Israel will accept those who are left, for peace will be possible where fear no longer lingers. God's will is on the side of those most convicted. Whatever ill resides will work to their downside. In God's timing. For now it's a Palestinian far cry. And a Zionist park ride. .... The fact that Israel is so able still, to create the narrative despite truthful reactions and realities being against the true "story they are selling the world". in the world of social media nevertheless. It is a feat of power and persuasion in the history of foreign conquering and political affairs. Whether for better or worst. Free-will is one's blessing and another's curse. The true gift of God's creation, to be used to paint on the canvas of Earth. For the world is always the New against the old. Palestine is vanquished. it is a sad deal. but there is always hope for a greater reveal. Black America is getting better, albeit it's been 200 years. However long it takes The Palestinian people, Judgment Day will not come without them experiencing their truest form of zeal. Their highest form of love. Their greatest form of light. What hard times bring to the bearer Gives the world a gift in it's greatest form of Right. For Humanity is one. And one who goes against is not only a loser, but a doldrum. As time progresses the truth becomes younger. As entropy unveils justice will soon prevail. We mustn't count our hardships by days. But by episodes of feelings in fears and pains. I believe we have more pains to go through. Because we have not yet been truly defeated. We challenge the Zionists to try to make us squeal. We are fighters. Revolutionaries. We are freedom activists, similar to guevara and Mr. X. Gandhi and his 2 million. Mandela and his cell. With all greatness came pressure points. With all Prophets came the most challenging of experiences, more challenging than what we are experiencing -- for they witnessed God's service in it's highest form and purpose -- we are followers, so what is, is less powerful than the most evil that ever existed.   A chosen people's we are, for God loves those whom most hurt.   Through pain may we only (then) truly grow to gain. Peace in our hearts for ever, but never in our mindframe. For we dwell in hell knowing we will survive and propel, until we finally excel and overcome all of ev-il. First within ourselves. God forbid we become an enlightened people, just ask the Brit-ish.   What israel is doing to PAlestinians isn't against the palestinians. It is a fear for their ownselves. it is a plot upon themselves. It is out of fear. not love. This is why settlers will kill and injure unarmed farmers. if it were brazilians on this land. if it were chinese on this land. if it were aliens on this land. israel would act in the same way. it is the Universal choosing that these peoples are Palestinians. And that me, you, her, him, have been born as a palestinian peoples. We are purveyors of an amazing event that will go down in history as a profound lesson unto humanity and it's entropic progress. We mustn' feel discouraged. Nor victimized. For this has nothing to do with personal terms. This has everything to do with fear, and lack, on the oppressors paradigm. we are not victims. we are being challenged. we are being challenged, not by Israel, but by God. Let us not look at israel anymore. Let us seek God for the answers. Let us act out in God's highest way. Let us not vengefully sink low to the stature of the tadpole awaiting it's fruitioning. Let us administer with truth that it was God's vision that inspired King jr.. Where is God found in the script of Palestine's vision for the future. Where are God's wisdoms granting insight into our situation. Where is Allah's fingerprint in all instances that have occurred up until now. What sense has been made for ourselves, in learning the process of what we are going through as a people's, a culture, a nation, an identity. Our greatest pains are our greatest strengths. But only when we are able to self-reflect and understand the means, the "why's", and the hints. Revelations to be unveiled will be the vision to free ourselves. And whence freed, no control nor fear from any outside force will be able to stop us, for we will have foundt our north-pole Conviction, like Israel, except justice is on our side, and for them it is only a feel, not yet manifested from ideal to corporeal. Reality favors us in so far as we have suffering. For through suffering will we grow, evolve, overcome, and rise up into what could be. it is this vision that will see us through to a brighter day. ... suffering toward a just end is better than the pain and hurt we feel within in wanting to deliver a vengeful revenge... with grace and strength, patience and Qur'anic 'ilm, we will overcome whether it be in war or in squalor; in fear or in faith; in hope or in inspiration... the choice is ours. what we change within ourselves mentally, our reality be default will transition and transform....... we can only control what we think....... let us make it toward high thoughts of greatness toward God... for the least we can get is a faithful confidence in the ALL....... and through there, we will overcome. You cannot fight fire with fire, hate with hate... for the opposer has more benefits in war than we do for our own sake...... #juxtaposition? 

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Do I feel scared visiting Palestine? It's a bit annoying actually. The authority of a superior organized mind (Israel) directing the sheep Palestinians who act like third world refugees in a country that Israel has come to take from them to say: you're not using this land for reasons better than we could, so we are not only going to take from you but we are going to organize you all as well and also rule over you since you're more of a headache than a help to us (especially since you don't want to give us the land)...  this is the crux of the whole feeling for me. Israel is much like America. smart, organized, efficient, and not egotistical over petty matters as the Arabs at times tend to be under bureaucratic terms.

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Nablus is nice for those who are able to have money. Money is nice. Especially in Nablus I think. You can buy your way to freedom i believe if you have enough money. Money is hard to come by in Nablus. So.... Even though there are ways on the internet to come across money I believe. And many are doing it. However people in Nablus and Palestine aren't up to date on those sorts of things.

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The land of Palestine feels Tarnished. The Israeli state has blood, bad karma, & injustice on it's hands. The land feels diseased as a result. The antiquity, dignity, honor, & integral value of the land feels strickened and at times diminished. This is the aura feeling I receive looking to the mountain in view of Jid Hasan's balcony. W/ that said, I accept entropy as the natural way of things. Let the world progress, even if toward greater ill than light, @ first.

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Many thanks and appreciations to the whole Ghazaleh family, aunti Nawal, To auntie Nazeeha, to AbuHelmi and Muhammad and the whole S’boneh family crew, to amo Yacoub aunti and the Lubna, to Nour Hasiba and his crew of friends including bebsi (not cola), Anan and the crew. S/o to mathieu, madjid, malik, francois, quentin, baha, ali, to Ameed, to Amir and the Tarabeesh crew, to miss Kifaya, to aunti Hind and Karma, to Amo izat, and last but not least to Taita Nahida of course, and Nana Nadria. 

what next.

NYC was well and good. It challenged me in good ways and along with having a successful sulaytennis.com private lessons business up there and working for a tennis company making $25 hour, the city and aura of the neighborhood i lived in was enough of an experience for me. I have little interest in the Brooklyn hip scene. The subway rides to and from the boroughs are long and a bit weary. The off-blue color of the seats, I’ve had enough of. I'll be back when I have enough money to enjoy the finer things that city has to offer: the restaurants. Hotels. Nightclubs. Fifth Ave. Broadway shows. The dollar bill rules up there. I'd like to check out the southern hospitality of the South, and Atlanta.

Charlottesville = my hometown. My blood = Palestine My style = universal in appeal My means = intellectual creativity My gifts = hip hop. intellect. athletics. 

I rep my people 🇵🇸 and my opportunity toward aspirational dreams 🇺🇸 under the rights of justice freedom humanity 🇵🇸 🇺🇸

Palestine taught me how to love again. The culture there was nice. Much more appreciation is founded upon relations; cordial and sincere relations.  Living in the states, with the whole mentality being materialistic and based on what your career is in a sense, can jade the heart over time. Over there, people were more trusting and friendly and hospitable. Palestine allowed me to reconnect with-self. Reconnecting with the heart and soul is always important.

Conclusion

I was in Palestine the past 3 months constructing Energy & Rhythm. I created a 25-episode vlog series whilst there of which you can check out here — https://rapmillionaire.com/vlogs.php. You'll find a couple of interviews, a tour of Nablus, me playing soccer with the local kids, and in depth commentary on my creative process and thoughts whilst creating this third project of mine.I wrote a blog post summarizing my time spent there as well:  http://rapmillionaire.tumblr.com/post/171873056924/mountain-of-firenablus

In other news, I've kick-started a music reviews website as a way to network with other aspiring artists and musicians. If you're a fellow rapper/musician who wants a review of your song at no cost, check out what I offer here: https://www.rapmillionairereviews.com.

Regarding my whole creative process and the significance behind each of my musical projects' concepts, I created this 3+ hour long vlog explaining the intricacies, meanings, methods, and visions of my Music Series catalog.Music Series = Epitome Perennial. HollowDreamz. and it concludes with my up and coming Energy & Rhythm project.Here's part 1 of that: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJarQQdST7kAnd here is the condensed written version format: www.energyandrhythm.net/EpiPer-HDreamz-EandR.php. Where I stand: I'm back in America now focusing on making some money and recording the 15+ songs I constructed whilst out there. Hopefully it will be recorded, mixed and mastered to perfection just in time for the summer. The lyrics of this project are straight-forward, more intimate and aspirational, and the productions are varied. And the theme is out of this world and philosophically conclusive.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

[rapmillionaire]

Nablus

I live near the city center. right up from what's considered the "old city". whenever the Israeli forces come into Nablus they like to post up in the city center so as to have control. and right near the city center is the old city, filled with alleyways and shops. that's where the Israeli's fear entering because it's a cramp and intricate maze. during the day it's packed of course, with shops and food places doing business as usual. but at night everything is shut down, and when you walk it , you really get a feel for it. cats are every 50 steps, eating from the remnants of food and litter from that day’s market transactions. and the lighting is faint. and you see posters of martyrs every 20 steps you take. it's nice. but eerie. an authentic experience. you can see holes in the walls and doors where bullets once entered / ricocheted. there's this one guy, whose photo is sprawled across the downtown area of Nablus. he was well regarded and well respected as a fighter, a sharpshooter and strategic leader. about 4 days ago in the afternoon i was strolling down the street mid-afternoon when a kid amidst the traffic on his bike stopped and asked me what time it was. then yesterday, as i'm hanging out right outside my grandmothers apartment home with a kid who runs his convenient store, a kid is there with his little remote control car toy just hanging around us as he's friends w/ the other kid who runs his father's convenient store. one thing leads to another and i look up the street at a large photo of 2 martyrs that are hanging up, and i ask the convenient store kid the name of the leader on the left side, mentioning that his photo - i see it everywhere..,. he replied, "that's his father", pointing to the kid with the remote control car. it turns out this was the same kid on the bike who asked me what time it was days previous.

My t-shirt reads “Free Palestine” in Hebrew, courtesy of www.AmericaHates.us.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

[rapmillionaire]

Form follows function

i tell ppl who ask me about Islam: want to know what islam is about? practice being a muslim for 1 month straight. pray 5x a day. read Qur'an at least 20 minutes a day. listen to islamic lectures by hamza yusuf or tariq ramadan or other imams for at least 1 hour each day.... bam. before you know it, you know what sort of msg and meaning and life energy islam gives you... want to learn about buddhism and what it means? do the same thing, and practice the religion for a whole month or two....  i mean, makes sense... right? it is so practical. ppl say islam or christianity is a religion of this or that... well how about we stop all the speculation and you practice the religion truly for what it asks of it's followers personally... then you will see first-hand how it changes the heart, and mind. the effects it has upon the spiritual and material self.......... some religions are for some ppl. others for others. and none for some. to each their own. journal your experience and feelings day by day, or week by week. that will give you your brightest reflections on the impact such tradition has on the self (whether it be Islam, Buddhism, Satanism, etc). Form follows function.

https://instagram.com/p/BSxupngl20e/

[rapmillionaire]

New york, new york

it's been real New York. New york, new york! Half the challenge i was expecting. I pushed myself more than the city pushed me. And the city pushed me more when i pushed myself to the brink. On two occasions i almost found myself in financial squalor. Physically i pushed myself. Spiritually i experienced love and the indefinite letting go of such shackles; accomplishment, persistence, and achievement for my first self-established business. I was fired from two jobs for being myself. I survived using my two skills of hip-hop showmanship and giving tennis lessons. I put myself in the eyes of strangers, overcoming the mass-mind's doubts and judgments, earned love from the disenfranchised who always gave a buck when they were one's with the least to have, and yet most importantly genuinely connected heart-to-heart in the form of sincere due regards and praise for the boy's talent. I made $377+ busking the city over a 4-month period, performing about 3x a week. I made $2,500+ giving tennis lessons (SulayTennis.com) over a 3-month period. I spent 5 months in NYC. Never receiving a parking ticket, #hamduillah. I sharpened my art of persistence. To not burn bridges no matter what events soured relations. I experienced The fucked up culture of judgment, of a material driven society and environment. The realness of NYC absorbing mental energy and bringing mental illness to mofuckas having experienced episodes of lack in myself. It was about The test, i came for the test. My NYC Strategic Plan and Vision Statement from day one read,

“Whether i succeed or not is beyond the point... I want to face the challenge of NYC.... to build my character through trial and error. Through fear and failure. To elevate to a stature I've never felt before through my  perseverance, persistence, and courageous resilience.” - suleiman

In the end, I think living in the real world and yet maintaining and holding high ideals, is the road toward greatness. No matter who you are or what your occupation is, to quote my close brother and roommate, my jewish New Yorker brother who eloquently introduced me to his unique, well rounded, wise, and valuable perspective on life, as he so often said upon waking up from sleep as gracefully as-if amidst conversational dialogue in wide-awakeness just minutes before:     "What's important is how well you feel about what you did. Not how other people feel about how you did. you know..”  -Chris Jacobs

S/o to the middle eastern vendors for the inexpensively good-tasting chicken and rice meals that delivered the appetite's wants; the Bengali mesjids that provided a station for wudu, introspection, and recuperation; the NYU MSA for the free meals during Ramadan and the sometimes stellar khutba's; Sara for the experience and spiritual challenge and indirect strengthening of thyself through the ebb and flow of what was; and Universe for the opportunities, the blessings, the serendipitous openings of doors and the timely closure of an entropic and reinvented love. To Iram, for the blessed friendship and being the unique warrior. To Shahn for sustaining my survival unbeknownst to him in such a consistent manner as a result of his own discipline and focus to become the best tennis player possible. To Derek Pankaew for the opportunity and open-heartedness and genuine support when you were levels advanced. Maybe i'll see New York again. I hope to meet Atlanta; #1 in tennis and the epicenter of the rap industry.  I'm headed to Palestine. My goal: to evermore manifest thy vision for self. . to evolve. to surely begin another chapter. . . Special shoutout to Deeksha. And to Bumble Bee Tennis. Shoutout to Tareq from AHUS; For all who are reading my blog post right here and now, feel free to use the promo code “suleiman” if you buy from this dope clothing company, based out of Brooklyn -- www.AmericaHates.us. And last but not least, much love and thanks to Tina Valentina for her hospitality, cordiality, and inexpensive rental cost of $400/month (utilities included) in Kensington, BROOKLYN.

Stretch yourself. Push the limits....Most achievement involves some leaps of faith. This is how human beings grow.. by stretching. If you keep doing what you've always done you'll keep getting what you've always got. If you continually look for bigger challenges, then you grow. Stretching means moving out of your comfort zone. It is important to have big dreams so you can grow into them.  The bigger the challenge is, the greater the reward.

More clips of me performing in the NY City underground:

https://instagram.com/p/BXTyAeulqTM/

https://instagram.com/p/BVhvpTYFa3H/

https://instagram.com/p/BVn2UNtFCiJ/

https://instagram.com/p/BV5_fDmFGDm/

In the end, it's not about the money. It's about the story-line.

Monday, October 23rd, 2017

[rapmillionaire]

cool and kind w/ a diamond mind

Alaikum asalaam 🌠🌅. It is of pleasantry that I challenge you intellectually, for this is what defines the mode of our existential chemical intertwinement. Fanciful and practical were blurred amongst one another, yes? Well good indeed, for I believe dreams may come true thus my aptness toward delusion. I once had a friend of African descent who told me, "king Suleiman, do you know the reason why women are placed among the children, beyond their care for them?"  I replied, "why no, my friend, why?"  He went on, "because women mentally are of a lower stature than man himself, and therefore are nearer the wavelength of naivety and ignorance akin to that of children, than men. The men talk business and politics while the women remain in the background amongst the young, left to do what they most aptly may - to care for the inferior ones". I thought how ridiculous, and sexist, and inaccurate. And yet so it is, we find oft times that the cultures whereupon Islam resides are left in the backward thinking times of indigenous-ness while the rest of mankind, of which many are less religious and spiritual, show improvement and innovation and progress and leading-edge growth. The reformation of the mind whilst keeping the principles of Islam in tact - that's the greatest jihad for each of us individually, and as an ummah. Where are the great artists who are Muslim? The cultural icons. Where are the great athletes who are Muslim and bring esteem to the young teenage boys and girls who look up to such athleticism. Where are even the lawyers and doctors and professors who seek to change the system toward the betterment of humanity rather than to maintain the legitimacy of the systemic quo that is doing the oppressing like a turnstile rotating in its positioning? You know, prescribe a drug to be taken off of a drug. Side with the accused for the sake of needed experience and monetary gain rather than because truth resides on his side. Last week i attended a speaking engagement at NYU, featuring a young NYU student body leader who shared with us his thoughts on 2 verses from the Qur'an which touch upon how Allah is the all-Knowing, All-seeing, as the Creator of both the Heavens of the Earth; how He has made us into tribes and nations and races so that we may get to know one another. One thing led to another and the featured guest speaker began telling us his story of a time he was in the Midwest, and on his way back to the airport to catch a flight to NYC. He ordered an Uber, whose driver happened to be an avid Trump supporter. The driver was curious and wanted to speak-on and debate why the Muslim brother was for Hilary and against Trump. One thing led to another and the Muslim brother found himself shot in the arm. No, just kidding. In fact, the Muslim brother stated he was not in the mood whatsoever to have a discussion with this Trump supporter. To him, the mere fact that this man was a supporter of Trump totally turned off the Muslim brother and eliminated the mutual interest and respect he had for the Midwestern man. To cut a long story short, at the end of the 3 hour ride en route the airport, the Uber driver was pleased to have met the Muslim brother and stated, if anybody ever injured his daughter, to tell him and he would bring a gun and shoot the man up who did that to his daughter. Quite dramatic indeed, but filial love and loyalty is the message, not the violence. The Muslim brother got scared and feared for his own well-being. With that said, the Muslim brother gave the Midwestern Trump supporter his phone number upon request, and yet blocked the man's phone number. So with no replies, how does the Trump man now feel of the way he was treated by the Muslim brother? What is there to be feared in getting to no another whose beliefs are different from our own. How extreme it was for Obama to pay Cuba a visit to resume talks with Castro during his tenure as President. How extreme it is for the Muslims to engage with the communities of the disenfranchised blacks, with the communities of the gays, with the Trump supporting community. If our own leaders fear interacting with the common folks of these community groups and belief systems, then what are the leaders doing for the people they lead; the rest of the Ummah followers? What sort of message and reality is this creating among the Arabs and Muslims themselves, a few of whom tend to be racist toward reverts, converts, African and Malaysian Muslims.. Nothing is to be feared. Only understood. If Allah is the creator of the Heavens and the Earth and all in between, what are we doing fearing Allah's Creations? To heed is wise. To respect takes knowing. To know takes courage. Knowing can only get understanding. We fear the other too much, more than the other fears us at times as proven in the story above. Who will bridge the gap, the Muslims or the other?  If we are equipped with the great Message of Islam, one of excellence, courage, discipline, and duty, then why do we oft times conform to our most innate cultural biases and limited beliefs garnered out of a lack of study and understanding Islam for it's truest message, that Allah is the creator of all things, and none is to be feared but Him. The mere fact that varying tribes and nations have been created is testament to the differences of humankind; the Jews have the strength of teamwork and loyalty all of humanity would benefit to learn from. The Africans have a spirit all of the humanity may be of benefit to hearken.  The Hispanics have the working efforts of ants. The Chinese contain order and discipline most wish they could possess an ounce of. The Arabs too have been blessed with resources and business wherewithal. The White man is unafraid to claim what he believes belongs to him via his will-power and visionary and worldly desires. We can all learn from the other, including man from woman, tolerant from the racist, constituent from the murderer, and so forth.

What level of Faith do you have? Does your faith sway from time to time, or are you 99% strong-held in the your firm faith in Allah as Him being the one who answers all prayers in it's just and due time.. I myself have gone through ups and downs, as we all have. I have not reached absoluteness yet. I pray when I feel the need for it's assistance. I do best when I am with God at each moment in my life and am living freely and am being myself effortlessly. Sometimes I require prayer, other times my life is the state of prayer itself. If that makes sense...

My vision career wise is to not have a career in the colloquial sense of the term. I will create a livelihood for myself independent of being hired or fired. I am self-sufficient and will continue to create such reality for myself iA. As I am already capable of doing it on a small scale, iA it will increase and grow evermore. My primary means of doing this is via my tennis business (intermediate stage), my  writing business (amateur stage). I do work at times to make more money, but to be a dedicated 10-20 year worker doing a 8 hour shift each day, five days a week.I haven't found a job yet that I am happy doing in such a role. And I will not settle either. Hamduillah though, Allah is good and has blessed me. it just takes some patience and continuous perseverance and hard-work. I am of utmost faith that I will someday (within the next 5 years iA) be of a blessed state. I have various timelines of plans for action for how to make ends meet throughout my life and to garner the appropriated livelihood that is monetarily fruitful. One version of this plan has been to move overseas (to Egypt) in fact, to focus on my investment endeavors. to make such a move, i would first need to save up to $50,000 USD. Hamduillah that is possible. My most profitable business has been giving tennis lessons, subhanallah; and this is in NYC, which is not a tennis city (like California, Atlanta, Florida, etc.).. Thus, the trajectory of my life work is still in progress, however in due time (whether sooner than planned, or later), all connects based upon my own actions and free-will. I could easily give up and settle, but I won't because I know I will achieve what I desire most in my heart. bismillah .. As for my livelihood vision, i am a simple yet systematic, time-efficient and organized.. I do not need a nice expensive car, nor a big television set, nor game consoles or lavish furniture and paintings. I just need a laptop, a bed, some good books, internet connection, a pen, a notepad, my headphones, my microphone, my tennis racket(s) and tennis balls, a basketball, a soccer ball, some dumbbell weights + a portable pull-up bar called the flexrSport, some food (i cook these days but i usually prefer eating out as it's much faster for me- though it is healthier to cook albeit to cook a 30 minute meal and to eat it in less than 10 min -_- me no like ha), a car for expedient travel whence needed, some nice clothes that make me feel good when i wear them (collared shirts, jeans, khaki pants), a couple of pairs of shoes (black dress shoes / worker shoes, tennis shoes, sandals for the shower), some rubber-bands, some cash, a phone for communication, some paper towels, some organic soap - shampoo - tooth paste - deodorant, some hot sauce for the food, a couple of hats, a couple of mirrors, a couple of lights, and all of this in a nice little place that is near a mesjid iA, and if I have only $2Million, then i am willing to buy a home for a cost of up to $400,000 at most. iA then the other $1.6million would be divy'd up as I have planned already including to (pay zakat) $60k (Palestine kids|zaytuna school|mesjid built)... til then, i'll be renting and saving $ and reinvesting in myself.

October 14, 2017

[rapmillionaire]

My top 5  +  Food for Thought.

My Top 5. Nas. 2Pac. Jay Z. Lil Wayne. Eminem.

Why I appreciate their work. It's all about perspective. Anybody can rap. Perspective is what triumphs. Nas comes with knowledge and lyrical dexterity. 2PAC came with heart, conviction, and justice. Jay Z has the swag, aspirational acumen, and righteously justified perspective. Lil Wayne has charisma, cool appeal and a championing perspective. Eminem has heart/passion, lyrical dexterity, and offers something very unique and universal in his perspective. Each has their own real-life story to tell. Each dealt with real obstacles, real consequences from the actions they’ve once taken, and a valuable perspective to offer the world. Immortal Technique introduced me to the kind of hip-hop I became inspired by. Lupe Fiasco carried the torch during the time that I really got into hip-hop music, and made it feel like one of my own brothers was speaking for me with his songs like Muhammad Walks, The Glory, Hustlaz Due, Dedicated, Where Do I Go, Ghetto Story, and the works that would follow... Talib Kweli and Mos Def individually are also dope. DMX was mad dope too. Ali Vegas was dope as well. Lots of great artists out there.

WHY I RAP. I love to write. It's that simple. And I've been blessed to be able to intertwine words with flow and rhythm. So, I like to rap the same way Michael Jordan likes to play basketball - because I was born with a gift to do it. It came natural and it also is empowering for me, as well as cathartic in the same way that it is for other writers. Beyond just having the skill to do it, hip-hop as a culture is as powerful as Islam as a religion. Meaning, it's a way of life, beyond just being a practice. It unifies the disenfranchised and empowers them. Hip-hop is raceless, and the respect level of those who are emcees, graffiti artists, break-dancers, dj's, and beat-boxers is transcended by skill level more so than socio-economic standing. And that's real; that's good; that's powerful. Music is powerful in uniting people. And hip-hop music with it's energy and rhythm is inspiring and productive and motivating in and of itself.

ON BUILDING SLOWLY. The good thing is you can write rhymes until you're 40+ years old. I may get on in 3 years, or it may take another 15 years. No matter... I'm going to do it grassroots. Go on tour myself up and down the eastern shore board within the next 3 years God-willing; first I need to focus on increasing my streams on the internet platforms. I'm good at accumulating fans when I perform live.. I just let go and do me to the fullest - and people f&^$ with  it. I have a unique and cool style they can relate to. If I already have 53 fans (official email addresses) I know I can get 100 fans. And if I can get 100 fans- I can definitely get 1000 fans. And if I get 1000 fans, I can get 10,000 fans. With 10,000 solid fans around the world, I'm living the dream.

WHAT I FEAR MOST. What I fear: aiming to make money and losing my path to that utmost (space of) intellectual creativity that inspires and fulfills me most. Such becomes the concern when the iPhone's distractions dull the sharp edge of discipline intended for greatness. I mustn't be intellectually depthed if surface levelness arises upon my ebb and flow of life; but I SURELY MUSTN'T entangle the self in fancies and bountiful distractions of modernity AND as a result LOSE thy DiamondMind. Control and discipline must always lead the way - for without it I lose trajectory and flow with the wind without purpose (& thus without steadfastness). Reinforce discipline. And I reinforce purpose.

ON MY INFLUENCE AS A WRITER. What I see my role as being is a provocateur. In fact my first hip-hop rap name was Provocator. "Salloum is crazy, he's way out there." .. I have decided to take what many consider to be an extreme position/ controversial. I believe that it is the role of a writer (and somebody who considers the words I use as being part of my activism) to disturb people and to find the place that hurts and to push. HollowDreamz has been my most affordable example of this thus far. And do i contradict myself? Well good, to me that means I remain open-minded to possibilities. This is all based on subjective scenarios, not principles and morals - my contradictions, that is.. And thus, no such shame in that.

MY POETRY WRITING. The subjects that inspire me the most to write are social issues, love/romantic experiences, my hopes/aspirations/wishes, my past hurts/failures, and self-reflections. However, with my project Energy & Rhythm, such visions have extended beyond the tangible and into a world of limitless potential and possibility, on the spiritual and higher-conscious wavelength. Now do you understand why HollowDreamz outro was entitled “reach higher”. My projects run linear to one another in that sense. And cyclical as well, but you require the eyes and awareness to know.

Friday, August 11, 2017

[rapmillionaire]

DID WE CHOOSE THE RACE WE ARE

Imagine if people who were Palestinian chose to be Palestinian. If folks who were black chose to be black. If all Asians chose to come into this existence as Asian. Imagine if it was found out that we chose the race and heritage we are in this finite realm of existence amidst the infinite eternity of spirit. To take it a step further. Now imagine if we chose our race not based upon color solely, but based upon the significance of the race as defined by society. This is an empowering idea, as it moves away from self-hatred and transcends the thought of oneself into self-empowerment. And I believe, with the multitude of God's intelligence and divine creation, that this may in fact be the true case of our conscious existence on the micro level of nationalism, culture, race, and racial personified tendencies - within the whole context of the individualistic experience of the spirit (macro level) throughout it's journey before Earth and after Earthling-ness. The choosing of a race, is it a privilege granted to a spirit? The choosing of a race, is it (for the reason of) a lesson to be hearkened by the spirit pre it's coming into earthly existence? To tell all, that they are who they are (in race, talents, looks, height) based upon their deciding and choice-agreement (with God) (i.e. the Universal energies) of the world -- is an empowering idea. It is one in which one finds the totality of the All within the singularity of each’s beingness. It is to 'know thyself'. It is to know God. It is to know everyone else. It is to respect what is other than. It is to rise above the strangulations of the construct of the matrix created by man (in terms of economic, political, and social institutions). It is to designate authority unto principles, unto the Universal Laws of Creation -- and not unto the Laws of free-will Man based upon creed, color, race, origin; lest of course, “what is” as the construct in itself is a perfection of God (and not of Man's free-will), whereby such variable no longer is a variable but a perfect-factoring, and thus too one's asking to be black stems from the root of existentialism out of the Macro, and not the Micro level. God lacks in the Earthly world because Man lacks God. Whence each single man finds the God within himself through means of acknowledging his choice of free-will prior his existence - to choose and self-create the perfection of his Godly aspect - such man will rise above the construct of shortcomings upon planet earth and will spiritually rebirth anew and divinely enlightened. Such is the power that comes with knowing-thyself. Such is the power of Justice. Of Truth. Of Divine Right. Whether the World is perfect at this very moment, or whether the World is in a state of squalor - The choosing of one's race and self, initializing the physical manifestation of the body on the earthly state, remains an empowering and decisive feat. I find it true. Whether you do or not, it leads to outside of our rigid thoughts and beliefs that have been stamped upon ourselves by the same construct to oppress and disempower the selves of many upon Earth. This idea that you chose your race, to some it is the dumbest thing they've ever heard. To me it's the realist. . . 

"Everything in this universe is connected in some kind of way. Because it all comes from one source. The source is cut in pieces, and the source lives itself out, but you think you're your own person. That's why you think, “Oh, if I do this it won't hurt anybody else”, but everything you do affects everything else.

"You hold the history of the universe within your physical body. ... The firing of your codings, and the realization of your identity are going to become phenomenally intense. The reason for this is the evolving DNA."

[rapmillionaire]

Character v. Cash

The competition should question character, not money.

Who is greater? Barack Obama or Donald trump?

Who was greater? Gandhi or Madoff.

Who was greater, The Prophet Muhammad or the Pharaohs?

Who was greater: Muhammad Ali or Floyd Mayweather?

Some had moral courage and upstanding God consciousness. Others had worldly materialism. New York is filled with people who pay you no mind if you do not have financial standing or statural status. So it is in the mecca of this dunya. But to see it in Muslims treating other Muslims; a misfortune. Dubai mustn’t lead its example.

[rapmillionaire]

SALLOUM INTERVIEW

Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today. I was born in Charlottesville VA in the late 80s. Growing up I was into sports. Drums as well. Though there wasn't any space, nor the ability for my parents to buy a real drum set for me, they bought me a pair of drum sticks which i played on the house furniture (laughs).Growing up my parents always had music playing. From classical and opera overtures such as Beethoven, Mahler, and Strauss to pop and rock & roll hits by the likes of Neil Diamond, The Beatles, and the Bee Gees. Pretty much hits of any given year, some of which was played on cassettes in the car. Not to mention Arabic tunes & songs. On TV they would watch performances by Andre Rieu, Andrea Bocelli, Metropolitan Opera performances and other classical concerts. And VH1. Once I reached middle school I played percussions in the school band and the marching band. At age 18, I moved to Richmond for VA Commonwealth University, and that's where I began rapping, around the Winter of 2006. A few people on the hall were doing it. After a couple of years I left Richmond and moved to the DMV area. I continued to write, and really got into reading books on spiritual traditions, philosophy as well as books on success and achievement. Eventually I graduated from George Mason with a degree in geographic information systems.

Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you've had to face so far in the industry? Having blogs and sites grant me their light and platform currently is my focus. Another has been having people take an initial listen to the music. At certain points, you realize you're not quite ready yet to make that next move; that it happens when the Creator plans for it to happen, rather than when you want it to. I realize that is how it is for everybody. There is a lot of potential in an industry like music for people to live the American Dream. That's what makes it one of the most competitive industries to break into. But if you know what you're capable of and keep knocking, doors eventually open. 

What was one of the biggest setbacks in your career and how did you bounce back? Not really a set back as much as circumstance and that was learning to balance doing my music while attending university. Throughout that time period, something within motivated me to hone my rap skills, and read a lot of books on spirituality, philosophy, and achievement. Self-knowledge. My jewel is my heart and my mind. If I can translate that into the music, it feels right. Eventually, Epitome Perennial was completed at the cost of me taking a semester off from university. Plus I am grateful for the educational opportunity as well. It has provided me a solid platform to launch from financially speaking. Since day one, it's been non-stop; writing rhymes, marketing, doing open mics, recording, organizing goals and promotional plans. The best part is I have learned so much along the way,- from what it takes to succeed in creating a project from scratch, to persisting through frustrations and doubt, to actually seeing the discipline and determination pay off. It took me five years to hone my rhyme skills and construct my first project, which took even more time and energy to actually finalize and release (Epitome Perennial, 2013). What's kept me going is the fact that no more than 50 years from now the only part of me that will be to show on this earth are my thoughts. It is important for people to understand the full picture I am trying to paint. In reality it is limitless. For them to come near that, it is up to me to present my creations in a way where they comprehend, and have it resonate within themselves. That is the reason why I create a unique website for each project. I think the basic theme of the music will always reflect an aspect of what it means to stay true to self and really be confident. At the end of the day, that's what defines success in life.

What are some things artists need to be careful of? What I learned early on is to not take the easy road. Do the legwork yourself. Promote, create, and own all of your aspirations. That way you have no regrets. The onus of success and failure is up to you completely. Another, for aspiring rappers, would be to not chase radio and TV. The only real validation is the rhymes you kick. Hip-Hop itself is founded upon peace, love, unity, and having fun. With that said, it's important to be cognizant of what one is actually creating because what I say about myself has the potential to happen in real life. Salloum is my rap name, which derives from my real name Suleiman, which comes from the root word Salaam, which is "peace" in Arabic. So for myself, I represent Hip-Hop's first principle in my own unique way. And lastly, when I was initially starting off, an important move was that I did not release any of my music right away. If you keep your dream a secret, the potency of your desire to manifest it actually makes it happen. So even though I'd been rhyming for 2-3 years, it wasn't about releasing something as soon as possible for people to see that I could rap. At that point in time, the skill level of my craft, between the first two years and the next two years, is like comparing a baby crawling to a kid running. While I was crawling, I had already convinced myself in my mind that I was sprinting. That's what allowed me to actually manifest the "sprint", through continuous practice... If I would have shown my raps to someone during my years of crawling, in my mind I'm sprinting, but to them, they don't see my vision, so they see it for what it actually is. But that is too vulnerable of a position to place oneself in, because you potentially allow yourself to believe in the doubts others place on your talent. When you're still honing and practicing your craft, there's a greater chance of you doubting your abilities the first moment anybody tells you it's not that good, because at that point you cease to see it from your vision point of view, but from the point of you they're telling you exists. If you actually manifest the vision, or even a whole idea or theme project, at that level you already know what it is, and intuitively you're ready to share it with the world. And anybody who knocks you, you justify as them putting their own fears on you, or they just don't know what sounds good. So my advice would be, focus on yourself completely. 

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself? Actually writing it down on paper- your visions, ideas, and goals is essential. With regards to making it in this game, if you're good, eventually you'll get noticed. The first step is to create good music. To create something that is unique; that automatically puts it above average. But only you can define that for yourself by discovering your unique ideas. There is no blueprint for what works or what doesn't work. With that said, it helps to have a system where you can execute your talent at the highest level. That helps create consistency. Discipline + focus = consistency, with an optimistic attitude, creates a continual renewal of desire = Persistence. And that word is pretty much synonymous with "success". If you die tomorrow, but your mentality up to that point was one of aspiring toward your goals, then did you really fail? To the outside world maybe, but to yourself, until the point that you decide to give up, all the work you put in is moving you closer and closer to it actually happening.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

[rapmillionaire]

What leads men toward. . .

What leads young men down a path of destruction... - It's that these kids feel ostracized and delegitimized. By society. Due to racism sometimes and prejudice. And other times due to their own personal failures and their family histories- the way they were treated, the way they coped with their anger, much of it is rooted in past experiences contributing to a vile effect upon their outlooks in life. They become quite resentful and disturbed and angry within, cheated in a sense. But not everybody ends up acting out in destructive ways and reaping havoc upon innocent lives. So what is the variable that makes somebody go on a shooting rampage, as opposed to a kid who turns his attention elsewhere as a way to vent...? So what makes these kids in particular ticking time bombs...? And for each kid, it is a unique scenario. It's not just 1 thing that makes everybody go crazy... it depends on a person's background and psychological karma (their feeling feelings for seeking out revenge). It also depends on a person's usage of alcohol and drugs, both illegal and prescribed. As far as ISIS is concerned, in particular, And as far as the Qur’an is concerned, these kids don't even understand the basic foundation of the Qur’an. The simplest rules to live a good life, these kids lack acknowledgment of. They lack reasoning. Nobody in their right mind blows themselves up. That goes against natural instinct in every single animal - to self destruct itself. Yet we are being taught that Islam is the root cause of why people self-destruct; I.e. "In the name of Allah". It is so backwards - the message being sent about Islam.... it is like saying the dark is the light and the light is the dark. Like my friend said, 

"Master the basics of the Qur’an and you will understand the interpretations/ verses that are unclear and problematic. Instead of focusing on what is right, the media says the wrong verses are the root of such evil. Instead of fixing the problem, you escalate it." -Nabil.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Inside the mind of Tiger Woods, by Dr. Ablow

The fact that Mr. Woods now has a 3 a.m. mug shot to juxtapose with images of him winning 14 major golf championships means this: He hasn’t yet decided, deep inside himself, which sort of photo better defines him. He hasn’t decided, for real, in his soul, whether he is worthy of adulation or derision. He hasn’t firmly settled on whether he is really worthy of being loved—by others, yes, but, especially, by himself. When a man is on record as resorting to overusing sex and overusing mind-altering prescription medication to kill emotional pain, he has yet to face some critical source of it, inside himself. Take it from the late, great F. Scott Fitzgerald, “In a really dark night of the soul, it is always 3 o’clock in the morning.” 

And what did these men and women find in filling these reservoirs of pain? They found early pages of their own life stories—pages of loss, of trauma, of disappointment, of feeling afraid or unlucky or unloved. Just ask Prince Harry. Once he finally realized it was time to get serious about psychotherapy, he figured out he had limited his life, for decades, by trying not to think about the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana. See, we human beings are exquisitely sensitive. Being bullied or losing a parent or moving from place-to-place too frequently, too early in life, is enough to shut a child down and set the stage for unresolved pain to upend his or her life, again and again. Here’s your headline (pun, intended):  Everything in life comes down to whether you try to keep running from your pain—which means you will trip and fall, again and again—or whether you turn around and face it. Because, then, you are greater than it is, by definition. Eventually, Tiger Woods will have to decide which it will be, for him.  Every one of us should only wish him well. Because every one of us is on the same human journey and faces the same critical choice.

Friday, July 21, 2017