Friday, December 24, 2010

Happy Holidayz from Artistic Visionz!!

What's up World!?! It's ur man D-Natural back with more to tell ya!! Just wanna let everyone know 1st that I love all of you!! Thanx for supporting this blog with your views, comments, promoting and everything. It means more than you guys will ever know!!

Well, the holidays are in full swing!! I hope everyone is out there celebrating, having fun, in good company, and most importantly loved. Just know, if nothing your man D-Natural loves you & is thinking about you!! As this year is coming to an end with the holidays to wrap it all up, I'm still reflecting. I find myself thinking of all the adventures, events, twist & turns I was taking through this year. Now I won't get into all of that again with you. All u have to do is read the last few blogs before this one to find that out if u don't know what's happened and I encourage you too! Just know that in December, on Xmas Day, as I type this on my Blackberry, I feel blessed and ready 4 2011!! I'm proud to say all of the hard work I've done which has placed me in a very unique position. I was fired from my full time job at my former employer a month ago. I really believe that was the break I needed to continue on with my Artistic Visionz movement. This reminds me of the turning point when I broke my leg 4 years ago in the Navy. I would have never imagined how much of a benefit that will later serve me. As long as you have a foundation in place and grind hard at building it, you can weather whatever storm you have to go thru. You will find that the hands you are dealt are designed to take you to the next step!! You have to be able to see it though. One of the things that will blind you from seeing it is fear. You have to trust your instincts!! You have to use ALL your resources, even the ones you think you didn't need!! Never think are to good for things. Be humble enough not to limit yourself. Have faith that the answer will come when you take life by the balls and work hard!!

These are the principles that I live by everyday. These are the principals that got me off the streets when I was starving & homeless just 4 years ago. The beginning of 2011 will find your man going to business school, working on the album I've been promising you guys called "The Sigh of Relief" EP. Its coming, believe me!!! I'm just getting inspired with new selections I want to include, all so that you get a complete product. So with my EP, business school, music videos, poetry & short story e-books, live shows, charity albums its what I've been in the bat cave putting together. I'm so excited at what I'm gonna have to bring to the table. Also stay tuned to my other blog I have on Tumblr @ Its some more insights on my journey, videos, new music and more popping of there as well. I've also got different blogs in other places Ill be doing in 2011. Keep in mind that I do this ALL myself. So I might disappear from time 2 time. Just knowan wherever I'm at, I'm somewhere chippin away, sculpting Artistic Visionz.

Alright, just wanted to touch bases with you guys and to wish you a Happy Holidayz 1nce again!! Stay tuned 4 some surprises and exciting things that I'm thrilled about! Until the next time, keep the faith & keep chasing your dreams! Ill holla!! One Love

D-Natural, AVP

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Been maaaddd busy!!



What's up world!!! It's your man D-Natural back with just a quick blog before I head to rehearsal. I know I haven't blogged anything since the end of September when I posted my last poem. It's for a really really good reason. You're man has been grinding his ass off as usual. I've been out in the streets performing, doing beat battles, recording sessions, enrolling in business school, working on my upcoming albums, and just really hustling. Whenever you don't see me blog anything for a minute its because of that and only that. I'll put up a more in depth blog on exactly what I have been up to the last couple of months and exactly how I plan to end 2010. All I gotta say is be prepared because your man is going hard and ending the year off with new releases including my album, Poetic Soul, which will be the prequel to my album I'm starting 2011 with called The Sigh of Relief EP, which I was gonna release this year. Everything has been pushed backed because of other business and opportunities that came up that your man HAD TO jump on. Everything has been picking up and it feels really really good. Check out my last TwitVid I put out, to get a more visual/personal feel of where I am coming from ---->> D-Natural PSA 

I will be premiering my next single "Guestlist" which I have talked about which will appear on the Sigh of Relief EP next year. I also have a new single that will be out this weekend called "Exodus" which will be on another new album as I have mention called the Poetic Soul album.

That's about it for now. Gotta run and get back on the grind doin what I do best at choir rehearsal. I've got WAY MORE to let you guys in on music business wise and personally. I'm growing tremendously in both areas. As you know everything pops off here at my blog. All my readers here will always get the new material and fresh insights from me first. As always keep the faith, keep chasing your dreams. Make sure you savor each moment and enjoy the simple beauties of life we sometimes take for granted. Much love. Peace..

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

New poem just written!

What's good world! It's feels good knowing I'm blessed enough to type these words and reach on to you 1nce again. Things have been crazy lately but I'm still pressing forward. It's these crazy times that have inspired my new poem I have just written. Enjoy!
My State of Mind 9/28/2010 10:25pm

I'm asking the Creator
for guidance
my souls screams
anxious dreams
by any means
my state of mind
in rhyme
art living inside me
manifesting new realities
each thought
has fought
its own war
on the shore
of my conscious
nonsense
is the opposite my logic
legitimate
confidence
but so frail
my shell
at times
blind
to amazing
intelligence relevant
to my brilliance
mixed with negligence
to positive energy
during moments of insecurity
proclaiming exclaiming
my tainted innocence
only guilty
of madness
while harboring
talents
abundant
I am
my master
and hereafter
Ill continue
to uncharted
venues
where exist
my genius
patiently
waiting
debating
my fears
shedding
dry tears
while emotions
flood
flickering
and fading
lights of lies
hiding the
real truth
to use
abilities
known to me
making a
mark on society
serenity
is in my grasp
like a glimpse
of magnificence
though turbulent
the trek
to greatness
defined by uneven lines
by design
of a mind
sublime
forming patterns
of perfection
perfecting pallets
of imagination
images
of stories
untold
unfold
yielding
feelings
of future
adventures
leaving
footsteps
of success
I will
succeed
the  need far exceeds
any starving souls
hunger
under
ground
mining diamonds
depicting
a portrait of me
shining first
like the rays
of sunsets
while sighing
regrets of
past forfeits
realizing my redemption
is my creative evolution
creating solutions
in solitude
embracing life
practicing new ways
of sacrifice
for a prize
so sweet
like angel kisses
my bliss
is my fist
in the atmosphere
making each moment
a  monument
therefor
making time irrelevant
as prevalent
my prominence
I will
because
I AM

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Hail to the Redskins!! Hail Victory!!



Hail to the Redskins!! Hail Victory!!


Yo! What’s good world?! It’s your man D-Natural back with words, sounds, and more! Before I get into it, I just wanna give a shoutout to my Washington Redskins, who defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener! For those that don’t know, I’ve been a Redskins fan pretty much my whole life. I’ve always rooted for our home team. I’ve even been a fan during the not so great seasons; all the way back to when making the Super Bowl for us wasn’t a problem, the Joe Gibbs era. I was at the very first game they played when they moved to FedEx Field from the old RFK stadium. The Cowboys have always been are top rivals, so this win felt good. Hopefully they can keep building momentum from this win and carry on into the playoffs. That would be great! Time shall tell, but in the meantime, congrats to the Washington Redskins and my fellow fans for a victory! I rarely get to watch TV these days being that I’m always grinding or doing music. I’ll still keep an eye for my boys just to see how they are doing…

These days are soooo tiring on your man. It’s seems like when I try to say to myself, “Hey, just stop for a second and take a break! Step back from business and chill!” I find a way to psyche myself out and say “No, keep grinding!” It’s funny because it’s so hard for me to sometimes separate business from pleasure being that the very things I do for business happen to be things I LOVE! Things like making music, writing, collaborating, setting up websites, marketing, promoting, working in the studio, performing, closing business deals, etc… That’s why I think more and more people should begin to do what they love for a living and make their passion their profit. When you do that, you’ll find that you won’t look at business as work because you enjoy and love it so much. It’s partly for this reason, I can’t wait until I can focus on nothing but the music business fulltime. I’d never have to work for someone else and punch a time clock on a set work schedule. I’m working the 9-5 job now, but my creativity and spirit are so free, I feel it’s only a matter of time before I break the confines of this office or corporate America. However, we are indeed products of a capitalistic society. You got to have a constant flow of loot to stay alive these days. We have to deal with the economy, inflation, the cost of living etc… It can get chaotic and believe me if you can’t stay afloat of the madness, the rat race, you are going to drown.

In my particular case, the very art that is coming out of me (whether it be my music or poetry, is my response to these crazy times of struggling, hustling, just trying to be successful. It’s nice to know that it is also this very art that is helping to sustain me as a productive citizen in society, as well as just being a human being in general. If I didn’t have a way to release the flood of creativity in me at times, I really think I would go insane! You see this creative ability can be a gift and a curse. All the true musicians, artist, writers know what I’m talking about. Your creative mind can drive you crazy!! I know mines does!! It’s like my mind is a 24/7 iPod constantly streaming music non-stop, whether it’s my own or someone else’s! I ALWAYS have music, verses, lyrics going in my head. I’ve gotten used to it over the years but it can be very annoying. Sometimes it can be very peaceful. It all depends. Certain moods bring certain musical feelings, words, lyrics. It’s as though I’m a slave to the art and it will always be a dominating force in how I live life. My music and poetry is a direct reflection of my reality. My interpretation of my soul’s language is the best way I think I can explain it. For those of you that have been raised in the Christian Baptist style type of church, have witnessed people speaking in tongues. For those that are not familiar, this is when a person who is filled with the presence of God, starts to speak in a language unknown to know one but them. It is said that this is the language of their soul being spoken, a spiritual language. I really do think I do this, being that I see creating as a spiritual thing as well. Except my souls language comes in the form of my beats, my music, improvising while performing live on stage, my poetry, just my different modes of self expression. I feel I’m communicating what my soul is speaking that I can’t always put into words, so I put it into sound form in hopes that it will be felt by another person’s soul, creating some type of higher level communication…

Until the next time, stay tuned for more words, sounds, and other special treats I will be sharing!! As always keep the faith and keep chasing your dreams!

D-Natural, Artistic Visions Productions

Thursday, September 2, 2010

$low and $teady Wins the Race…..



What’s good world! It’s your man D-Natural back with another installment of this blog of mines. Before I get into it, I just want to thank everyone who has viewed, commented on, and promoted my blog here!! I’m seeing the stats and it’s really pleasing to me!! All of you have no idea how much your support, love, encouraging words, and props on my movement are felt! I’ve been getting positive feedback from literally all over the globe on my work and I must say it feels awesome! As you know, I’m gonna continue to do my very best at delivering fresh music, words and insights here. If there is anything else you would like to see or hear, feel free to holla at your man! Moving on……




As you can see, the title of today’s blog is $low and $teady Wins the Race. That old adage couldn’t be any more right to me!! Your man has been steadily plugging away at getting my company Artistic Visionz Productions off the ground! The small baby steps that you take everyday towards your goal, the more you’ll eventually produce even greater results! Since the last blog, I’ve made some more progress, and I’ll be happy to share some of that with you as always! As you can see on my blog here, I’ve posted several new beats via soudcloud.com/d-natural! One of those new joints “Ms. Carla” has found a new home!! I’m proud to say that that beat right there, will be my very first beat placed with an overseas artist in Great Britain! Shoutout to my homie Blak Ram, a very talented lyricist with whom I connected with online. Don’t worry; you are going to hear more collabs from me and this cat!!! $tay Tuned…..



This week your man had to do it! I took 2 days off of work (day job) Tuesday and Wednesday of this week!! I had been contemplating doing that for awhile. You see my 9 to 5 job keeps me there every week Monday through Friday, with no days off, unless it’s a government holiday. Now you know for a young entrepreneur like myself, I grind and get it in wherever but sometimes you need to back away from EVERYTHING to just focus on ONE thing. That’s exactly what I did. I plan on doing it more too, just gotta watch my personal leave hours, ugh!! I knew I had to take time and put more focus into Artistic Visionz Productions because that’s my heart, my passion and most importantly my BRAND. You gotta always invest time and $ into building your brand. The more you do that, the more people will begin to respect your brand and know that you mean business. I managed in those 2 days to get some much needed rest, create some new music, and network with fans and future clients. I also spoke with a very talented video director, Chill Will 410 aka Will Money, CEO of Pyrex TV (YouTube & Google this cat ASAP). He will be directing my music video for my second single “Guestlist” (I know, I know, I’ll be releasing it soon!) I felt the energy and hunger of this cat through the phone lines, very much like mines! I’m happy to have him on board to shoot the video. I’m still planning the whole thing but I’ll keep ya posted. Of course, you know I’m going to premier the video right here!! I almost fainted when I reached out to one of our legendary DJ’s and hugely respected music veterans here in the DMV, DJ Celo, to make a cameo in the video and he accepted! That’s was major for me and my movement. This cat is a legend, you hear me, a LEGEND!! I grew up listening to this man’s DJ shows and mixes on the radio, hearing his name all over the city and now he’s gonna be in my music video!! I’m still amazed at that, but he’s been feeling my music and definitely has shown me nothing but love and support from day 1!!



All these things and so much more are going on right now. I’m just grinding hard to keep up with it and making things happen! 1nce again Slow and Steady Wins the Race, gotta keep chipping away! I’ll save my other updates and goodies until after this Labor Day weekend!! (I know it’s not right, but trust me it’ll be worth the wait!) Happy Labor Day!! Especially to all those people who put in that work, that real labor!!



Until the next time, as always, keep the faith & keep chasing your dreams!



D-Natural, Artistic Visionz Productions

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Hard Work Pay$ Off > > !


What’s good world! It’s your favorite music producer D-Natural back for more updates and insights!






First, I hope everyone enjoyed my latest poem that I posted on here a few days ago. I had that laying around in one of my books and I had forgotten I wrote it (which happens quite often). One of the best feelings an artist can get, is when they find something of theirs that they forgot they created, read or hear it again and surprise themselves. That’s what happened with my latest poem. As soon as I found it, I did a little editing and just had to share it with you all. Sometimes I get so caught up in the music and that part of me, I forget about the writer side of me and all the works I’ve created. This blog is dedicated to the poetry/writing as well as music. So I’m going to continue to give it to you all. If you guys would like to comment with a topic that you want me to write about, I accept the challenge! As I had intended to do at the beginning of the year, I still plan on releasing my first spoken word poetry album. Just haven’t decided when. I’ll keep you posted though.



As for my music business, I am happy to say things are steadily picking up and opportunities are coming in to spread my work literally all over the world! Looks like Artistic Visionz Productions is going worldwide!! I’ve been giving the opportunity to remix a song for promotional use, for a group out of Canada. I reveal more details to that when I’m about ready to release it. I’ve also come across a dope lyricist out of the UK, who can hold his own on the mic. I’ve long had the desire now to work with an artist out of Europe and now I have my chance. This week I am going to get started on working on the type of beats he request from me, so we will see how that goes. I have sold my first batch of soul music in a long time to a client I have in Texas. I’m still excited and happy that I accomplished that. I still plan on submitting more material for their album so I’ll let you know what I manage to cook up for them and I’ll even share some of that with you here! Also a short mix which includes the song called Krazzy I produced by dj Pun and crew was just released. If you click on my Facebook profile to the right, you will see the ReverbNation link my page that you can click on and hear this. I also will be sharing with you the full song and other great songs by dj Pun and his collective GRIL!!! Google them!!



Aside from creating, my skills on the business side of things are sharpening by the minute!! I mentioned here before that I manage myself and that I’m learning as I go along. I do my research, find out what needs to be done, and I just go for it!! Even though this has been a lot of hard work and can get very crazy, I am delighted at the opportunities I have afforded myself. A good friend of mine and a hell of a producer, Jared Fite aka Thunderbird Juicebox (Google him now!), recently told me in a conversation that it seems as though I have an online presence. This really excited me, because even though I know I’ve been doing the little things to get attention online, you really can’t measure your impact on your audience until you get confirmation like I did from Jared and others that I’m definitely being noticed!! I’m only getting started with my campaign, so plan on seeing a lot more of me around the net!! I still have a lot more to learn but when you’re in the middle and business is coming at you, if you want it bad enough, you’ll figure what you have to do to secure that business and grow your brand!!



I’ll post another blog later on this week, but for now here’s a little insight as to what’s happening now. Stay tuned for more music, poetry and the crazy adventures of

D-Natural!! Keep the faith and keep chasing your dreams! Peace

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Did I mention Im also a poet > New Poem: Untitled


My thoughts are in the wind



Time is what I see in the distance


Marinating in crown royal


Paradise IM YOUR HIGHNESS


Laud my excellence


But glorify life


Existence in I


You


Us


Them


Comtemplating


Rhythms like a jazz soloist


Drunk


Madness


My flew across my room like a silver


Bullet piercing space


Magnify who I am


I am don’t know


Everything


About


Society graces thee


Head bloody but unbowed


Divine Shepard


I’m raising wolves to hunt


At dawn


Searching for a being that loves


Sky tears


Technology conscious


Streaming


Internet


Brain


Cells


Stimulated


Deliberated


I love whom I not


Typing out Of control


On my keyboard


Pouring out passion


Drippings like the ocean water of the gods


Oh my god


Oh my me


Who I am


Successful birthright


May my obitiuary read


Ghost fairy tales


Opera like


Mafia style


Flipping verbs


Are you hearing me


I am heard


And you will hear


In a galaxy café near


You my symphony


Creating harmony with your soul


Not beggin you


But tempting you to madness


Chaos can be beautiful


Cuz beautiful is crazy


Bliss


Kiss my sons and daughters


And tell then their father


Was a pharaoh


Knight of the universe


Triumphant with my lord


Excited and disturbed


But groovy


Swinging from star to start burning my hand


On the atmospheric particles


Molecules of yesterday


Fading


Fascinating I


You


You


You will hear


I am heard


I am me


I am victorious

Friday, August 6, 2010

So much to do, so little time….


What’s up good people! It’s your man D Natural back with updates on this rollercoaster I’m on called life.




As you already know, your man is still grinding, getting it in, and chasing the dream!! I can say that more doors are opening for me and business is steadily coming in. However while all this is good, it can be a bit frustrating when you can’t devote as much of your time as you would like to getting business handled. It’s seems as though I want to constantly kick myself sometimes because even though I know it’s necessary to work my 9 to 5 day job to keep the bills paid, when you see even greater potential from your doing what you love, it makes you want to scream!!! What’s even crazier is when you realize the success that your business ventures can bring you has the potential of yielding more profits than you would ever receive on that 9 to 5 job. So I’m like damn I wish I can just leave this day job behind and do my music full time. The goal is to do exactly this sooner or later, but I can’t now. When you get home, open the mail, and see all these bills and debts you need to pay staring you in the face, you know you have to keep those other sources of income open just a wee bit longer. You have some businessman out there that would tell you to take the risk or “burn the ship” as my friend would say. Some would tell you to take the risk, concentrate and devote time to making your passion your profit. They would say have no fear, don’t worry about when the money is going to come in or whatever bad may happen and to just have faith. Now while I agree with this, I also agree that bills have to be paid. You can’t ignore the bills because what you owe will just get worse and put you more behind which will affect how you are doing you business in the future. These types of things put me in the bitter mood I am in right now as I type this. I’m sitting here at work, at my desk, around people that can get on my nerves, that are annoying, but I do what I have to do and I really don’t let them affect me. What does get me is when I see reactions from people to my music, my poetry, my songs, getting over 4500 plays of my current single “Get Down” in only 2 and a half months and I want to keep delivering these things but I am restricted as to when I can. When I look back over the last couple of months and see my progress as a musician, producer, businessman, I’m impressed with myself but at the same time I’m mad because I know I could have done even more to get even greater results. Believe me if I had some decent amount of loot saved up, I would just quit this day job because I’m confident enough I can make it into the industry in a certain amount of time. My current situation however, is not going to allow this. So how do I manage to get these kinds of results? I would say good time management, being able to do ALL you can when you can do it and just hustling like an immigrant. When I get little breaks at work, I’m on my BlackBerry networking, making moves, and so forth, and making calls. Even though I know they are watching our computer activity at work, I still take the risk and get my business handled online. I know its wrong and that I can get in trouble but I really haven’t yet. Plus I’m a valued employee where I am now as evident of a recent raise I got with a letter from the CEO saying that he is wholeheartedly satisfied with my work. While all this is great, and I’m happy with the progress I am making on the job, still burning in the back of my skull everyday is “ Dan, you are too talented, you are too gifted, you are too intelligent, you are too tough and humble not be more successful than you are…” I know you have to be patient and do what you have to do to maintain but it’s still very very frustrating. It’s like having all the ingredients to make a fantastic meal but no kitchen to prepare it in or no time to even cook the meal if you had the kitchen. However, you know that if people ate what you cooked and loved it, at the end of the day you will feel far more satisfied. Then you would be trying to feed the world. Well I’m trying to feed the world but then again I have to keep myself fed as well… It is what is it is.



$tay tuned more new music being release over the next few days. I also will be collaborating with my friend/producer Skyboy to work on a remix and some other material today and tomorrow. Then I have to work to continue to create some more material and to select the tracks that I am going to use for this upcoming beat battle for Beats4Cancer.com Also I am getting some stuff together for an artist and record label out of Baltimore. I’m debating whether or not to purchase this equipment to upgrade my home studio just a little bit, but what the hell you got to invest for success so I think I might go head and do it! What else…Be on the lookout for my second single “Guestlist”!! It’s long overdue I know, but it will be worth the wait, trust me!! I’m also going to try to get a music video done for that as well. As always I’ll keep ya posted. Shoutout to everyone that has been checking my blog out. I know there have been people viewing because the number plays for my music widget on here have been steadily rising!! Please comment on anything and everything!! Ask me anything!!



Until the next time, keep the faith, live your life to the fullest and don’t sweat the small stuff! One Love.



D Natural

Friday, July 30, 2010

What's good y'all! Just a quick post on some things I would like to share...

Check out my new TwitVid

Here some pics from my studio session last saturday with Norman Weeks! Google, Youtube, Facebook this guy immediately for some good music! Also I will keep updated on his album when it drops that I'm featured on! Stay tuned for some other goodies real soon! Peace..

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Of course, I'm still on my grind to $hine!!!!!!

What's up world!!!! It's yours truly, D Natural, back with more words and sounds!

I hope everyone reading this is blessed and happy, first of all! I'm blessed and happy myself, just taking things one day at a time!! My grind has not slowed down one bit, and more opportunities are coming to me all the time. Just like I've always done since I've started this blog, you know your man is gonna give yall the low down on his grind. Peep this....

I remember when I purchased my 1st Blackberry back in March of this year. The purpose for me doing this, was to have a phone that was gonna help me with my business. When you start out on your grind, no one knows your name, what youre about, what you do, etc. You are just a nobody, and the world doesn't know you exist. Then when you make a mission statement to yourself like I did and say, everyone will know my name, respect my God given talents, my grind, my business and work toward that, it's cool to see how many people began to look for you, keep up with you, and that love listening to what you do. My Blackberry went from not ringing or alerting me much about incoming messages in March to blowing up all the time and days. Now I'm always either getting an alert from Twitter, Facebook, phoneline, Google, ReverbNation, Soundcloud etc., from many different people!! I must say I am liking the respect and attention I've been getting! It let's me know that people are starting to tune into the music and words of D Natural of Artistic Visionz Productions. Everyday is forward progress and for some reason if not moving forward in any direction, by the end of the day I make it small goal to do or initiate something that will keep me moving forward. Every like action produces like results!

Since I've last blogged, I've completed all my past missions and now have a new set of projects I'm working: I received a request to do my very first remix of a song for a company on Twitter. I've decided to try to partner up with another producer, my friend and business associate, Skyboy of Blue Funk Entertainment, for this one. I hope we can work and get this completed. I've also recieved a request to do a drop for a radio station! For those that don't know, a drop is basically saying a few words endorsing the radio station and telling the listeners to stay tuned! I've also just recorded a small promotional video for Beats4Cancer.com!! They are an organization with a mission to raise awareness for a healthier life using music/beats!!! I'm all about giving and helping charities so this was a no brainer to partner with them. They are going to be have their first beat battle on August 14, 2010 and I plan to be there competing along other producers. I'm going to try my very best to get video footage while I'm there and share that with you here!! For now, please check the website: Beats4Cancer.com and see what they are about. Also here is the link for the promotional video I did for them - - >

BEATS4CANCER.COM PROMO VIDEO

As you can see below this blog post I have placed 3 brand new beats to share with you all courtesty of SoundCloud.com! I hope you enjoy them!! Comment and give your opinions on everything!! I want to be the people's producer so I need to hear what you guys want to hear from me and I'm gonna delivered the best art possible!

On another note, as for my day jpb, your man as of yesterday got a little raised!! It aint much but every little bit helps and really I'm just glad I made through my first year there and that its a sign they wanna keep me around, because they have been letting people go!! LOL

I'm proud of myself for being able to run my music business as well as hold down the 9 - 5 to keep my bills paid and this new roof over my head. It's been a battle and a grind but I'm hanging in there and getting stuff DONE!!!!

Until the next time, as always, keep the faith, keep chasing your dreams and I'll see you at the top!! Let's all $hine!!!! Peace

D Natural

Friday, July 2, 2010

Happy 4th of July Weekend USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's up world!!!!!! It's your man D Natural back with yet another blog about this crazy adventure called my life!

And you know of course, your man I been very very busy on the business tip. I got a fresh new set of updates to let yall in on!!!! First I'm getting ready to drop my next single called "Guestlist" this weekend!!! It's either gonna be the 3rd, 4th, or 5th of July!!! If you heard my first single, "Get Down", my intention with that, was to showcase my skills as not only a producer, but one who can emcee and sing as well. With "Guestlist" it's a lil different in the sense that I designed it for the party scene, the dancehalls, the clubs.....It's an uptempo track with a beat that is sure to get you dancing, even if you're the type like me, who prefers not to dance all the time. It's definitely a head nodder!! Lyrically I paint a picture of how D Natural gets down in the clubs. So I just hope yall enjoy it!!!! It really believe this one is gonna be kinda of a hit!!! I just get that vibe from it, we'll see!!

Aside from my solo project, more opportunities for producing other artist are coming my way!!! This feels great!!! I got my work cut out for me!! I've been impressing my client in Texas with my batch of soul music I have been sending his way!! He's picked 2 beats so far that hes gonna buy and I'm in the process of cooking up more. Also I have to get a batch of some epic, space age sounding music for my fam at 88.1FM (MD/DC station, USA) who along with some other company is sponsoring a compilation album that will feature nothing but artist from my home area of Maryland, DC, Virginia, USA. To be on a project like this will be really exciting for me, cuz it exposes me to more of my hometown!

Also I've been talking with a few radio stations about doing work for them as well getting my songs on the air!!! Your boy has been making all types of moves!! When you are the Producer, Artist, and your own Manager, it kinda can drive ya nuts because ther is so much to keep up with!! I'm just blessed that I have a variety of work to do and complete!!! This means I gotta be doing something right if I'm opening up all these doors for myself!!! All I can say right now, is that is feels good!!! Gotta alot work to do though. I'm glad the CEO here at my day job, decided to give us the Monday off after the 4th of July!! I really need this 3 day weekend to finish current music already in place and to create more of whats needed for my connection!!!

I'm also going to be contacting a season music promoter this weekend, who has worked for over a dozen major record labels that I know you guys are familiar with like Def Jam, Universal, Alantic, Sony etc. about taking the promotion of my music to the next level!!! He already said I my material sounds good so, Imma give him a call this weekend and talk some business. You know I'll keep ya updated on the all this progress I'm making!!

That's about it for now. Until my next blog, yall be cool, keep the faith, keep chasing YOUR dreams and don't stop cuz I won't stop!!!! Peace and Ble$$ings!!!!!!!!

D Natural

Monday, June 21, 2010

Inspiring Friday but the rest of the weekend ditto........

What's up world!!! Your man D Natural back with another blog!!!

Well I'll begin with Friday.... This was an exciting day for me being that I got to see one of my favorite artist Jill Scott and Maxwell perform live in concert at the Verizon Center in DC. Let me just say it was off the hook!! As a musician you now I can appreciate any performance, especially when it's being given by some great artist with real talent! So I got off of work and went to meet the person who I was taking with me that night by the arena. Guy Torry, a funny comedian, opened up the show with some funny jokes, then Jill Scott took the stage with a presence that's unbelievable. I can't wait until the day I have stage presence like that! She gave a very good performance, DC being one of her favorite cities! She even cried in the middle of one her songs. When you feel it, you feel it!! You see as artist it takes alot for us sometimes to write the songs we write. Some songs you just connect with more than others at times because of the emotion it took to create it. Sometimes those emotions are can brought on very strongly simply by just performing it, which is what happened to Jill! I respect her greatly as an artist because you can feel her passion when you hear her work. Not many strike a chord (no pun intended) and give me goosebumps like that, but she does!! Up next after a rather lengthy intermission was Maxwell who was just as great! Another artist who I consider a real artist because of the emotion and passion you can feel from their music. He gave an energized and very entertaining performance which had everybody dancing!! Both artist really let DC know how much they loved the people and the city! It was a great night. I was very inspired. I always leave these type of events with a sense of anxiety because I can't wait to perform in front a sold out arena, to reach that many people with my music. The ability to even perform your song that you wrote from your soul and hear people sing your words back to you is a blessing! Now that's the power of communication, the power of music, making that universal connection! That's part of why I do what I do, digg?

To bad the rest of the weekend wasn't so inspiring or eventful. All I really did was lay around and do some promotions work online as far as the music goes. However, I did get some inspiring compliments of my work that I currently have out which always makes me feel good. My beats are really starting to spread and my name is getting out there! Im making connections and the future careerwise is looking bright. I really have to concentrate and get my album done though, but Im not tryna rush it. i will be releasing the second single "Guestlist" this week. It seems as though when I get ready to focus back on my solo material, a potential client pops up that wants to talk business!!! This is very good don't get me wrong, but if you are not paying attention you can get overwhelmed with the attention. But this is what I wanted, this is what I've been working for. I'll continue to consider all the business offers that are coming my way, but you also have to filter out who's really serious and who's not. This will take experience and trusting your gut. But as far as current projects other than my own, I'll be wrapping up my work for my homie Puneet Prasad and then Ill be getting into producing some soul music for my client in Texas, who is already thrilled with one track I sent and I believe he has already started writing to it as well. As always, Ill keep yall updated. Until the next time, take care and keep the faith!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

New Progre$$! Moving Forward!!!

What's up world!

This is your man D Natural back with some cool updates!...

First, just know that your man I has been busy as usual! The music grind in itself is an artform in my opinion, and you have to be just as creative in how you approach it as you do with making the the music! When you are starting out managing yourself like I do, you have to be constantly on your toes for new oppurtunity. I feel I almost have to look at myself as another person and constantly switch perspectives. By this mean I mean, I wear so many hats. Since I have decided Im gonna manage myself, I have to step outside myself and look at me as a talent agent would, as an artist. I know what skills, talent, and abilities I have as an music producer/artist (cuz no one knows me better than me) and its about me as a manager always thinking what best for me the artist and creating a plan to showcase the talents in any area where sound and writing in my case can take you!

This is a journey for me learning how to do this and I'm really just starting out so I have to learn as I go which has been working out fine, since I'm a fast learner. It's alot of hard work, but I'm figuring it out and have definitely been getting results.....

First I am now being featured on www.VaTalent.com! A website for up and coming DMV artist!! I've been really working hard at promoting myself, because Im going deeper and deeper into the promotions phase of my projects as I gear up for my album release late summer 2010 (The Sigh of Relief EP) The beauty of that is the more effort and energy you put into it, as long as the music is good, it seems as though people come outta nowhere wanting to help you. I've been getting alot of that happening to me. People on Twitter are promoting my music, as well as other people who are becoming fans. Alot of industry cats are following as well! I wanna be on everyone's radar and let them know that I'm serious about my music business!!!!

The highlight of my week i must say, is when the FunkRegulata DJ Cee Lo who is Legendary in my area (the DMV area: DC, MD, and VA) got back to me, giving me props for two of my beats he really liked on my SoundCloud.com account!!! This meant so much to me, being that I grew up listening to this guy on WKYS 93.9, a local radio station here, and now I'm communicating with him, and he's stayin in contact with me!!! I can only imagine what doors this my open for me! What else.....

I have a new client in Texas, who I am getting ready to start work on a series of soul music for. I gotta grab something from the music shop before I can started on that. I also think its time I invest in a better mic lol. Lord knows I've done wonders with this plastic radio shack mic I got. Because I work with what I got to make it sound good, people never would expect me to be using what I using but, hey its not what you have, its how you use it. It's not the equipment that makes the hotness, its the man behind the equipment. I have a desire to do as much as I can with as little as possible. I think Kanye West had the same idea, and look what happened to him. It can be done!!! But with people really starting to take me seriously and keepin an ear out to what I put out, I should at least upgrade to a new mic so my vocals sound clearer. Afterall, its a business investment, and I am my business. You can never invest enough into yourself, family and friends. Its the sacrifice that will bring you the $ucce$$ in the end!

Well untill the next time, heres to reaching the dream!! Peace and Love..Lata - D Natural

Friday, May 28, 2010

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us!!!!!

What's up world!! It's your man D Natural back again to with updates on this crazy adventure I call my life...

Things have been going really well. Can't complain to much. Tomorrow will mark my first week in the my new home which has been great. I just met one of my roommates and he seemed like a real cool guy. I ran into another one of my roommates last night, but I was kinda drunk and just was barely able to mumble my bad cuz I thought I had ran into him in the hallway. LOL But I got a real good vibe from him too. We all do our own thing and work so everybody's been getting along so far. I hope it stays that way. As you know with great opportunity comes great responsibility. I've been making some great connections with artist to submit my beats too. I am happy to say that one of those artist Puneet Prasad, has selected one of my beats called "Krazzy" for his next album!!! He requested more from me with a certain type of sound so I gotta get to work on those this weekend. On top of that I'm really really close to getting a track placed with Kokayi, a very talented producer/emcee out of the DC area as well. It's some uptempo rockish type stuff for him. I'm kinda fustrated with myself because the guitar I have is not the guitar I really wanna use for what I am doin but it'll have to work. I'm gonna record some live guitar riffs and lines to mix into the tracks that he likes. The problem is that I dont have a overdrive/distortion pedal that you need to get that rock/heavy metal tone. I used to have a whole set up of that stuff for my guitar but add to sell it. Now that's something I see I'm going have to add to my bag of tricks again. Now I do have access to a distortion type sound I can get off my console I use to record my songs but it sucks!! But you know, I have to work with what I got. Situations like this just force you to be more creative and to get the song to how is supposed to sound. I can get a used overdrive pedal but that wouldnt be until next week and Kokayi needs the final versions of beats by this weekend. So I'm gonna have to hustle to wrap it up and have them sent to him by noon tomorrow. I don't think they will turn out that bad. I'm gonna have to just make it work and I WILL! This is my dream and I can't blow my opportunity. In the music biz or any biz u have to do what u have to do to get ahead and be successful. If u have to walk 3 or 5 miles to get to a business meeting or get a tool u need for a project then that's what u have to do. I'm no stranger to doing things like that so I'm ready for the challenge!!! It's just part of the grind and I understand that....I just really want this collab with him to come out dope. I get a track with this renowned, respected, Grammy nominated artist and it can only lead to other doors being opened. It thrilled me when he said I have solid work and that he will be sitting with my tracks this weekend and make a decision then. So tonite as soon as I get off of work @5 Imma get back home and get to work. I have to be up early tommorrow for choir rehearsal so I use the wifi at the Mcdonalds by the church and e-mail him the final versions and hope he satisfied....I'll let you know what happens so wish me luck. Then I have to record the vox for my next single which will be called "Guestlist". It's a more upbeat party joint, something for the clubs!! Be on the lookout for that. Then I'll release a few more single then the whole album which I might do as a pay what u want project on my Band Camp website.

So that's about it for now. Prolly leaving some other good things out but don't worry, I'll let you know what's good when I know what's good myself! I'm barely keepin my head above water and makin a way when I can, like the Good Times theme song saids!!! This weekend should be as relaxing as is productive because its a 3 day weekend and although I have to work on my music business, I plan on getting rest and tending to my mind and body! It's is definitely easier to have peace and relaxtions when u no longer live with relatives that annoy the fcuk out of you!!!!!!! LOL Until the next, be safe, be happy, be active, be successful!!!

D Natural

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

New Music!!!!

In my Bone Crusher voice: ATTENCHUN!!!!! Peep just about 80 % of my NEW BEAT CD ----------> http://soundcloud.com/d-natural INTERESTED in a track let me know, serious inquiry only!!! Otherwise please enjoy this new music from and please dance!!!! Peace Let$ get it!!!!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

$ucce$$ feels so good!!!!!!

What's up folks. It's 1nce again your man D Natural back with another installment of da blog!! First of all I apologize for not blogging as often as I used to. I will start to do it more again as I tighten my schedule up because my life is getting to be very productive and very busy, which is a great thing!! Your man has been making moves!!! My faith, grind, hard work, and resilience is paying off. I have so much to update you guys on:

First, remember how I was in need of a new place to live bad? Well thanks to my grind, I have successfully found a room to rent that is very affordable and the owner of the house is a lovely woman. The house is right around the corner from where I grew up in Capitol Heights, MD. I am so excited. As I type this your man has the keys in his pocket and Im ready tp get the hell up from under my parents. I am going to rent a U-Haul truck on Friday, and should have about 90% of my stuff moved in 24 hours. I have already paid for the rest of this month, so u know I am ready to be outta my peeps joint!!! Ready to enjoy my new freedom!!! Of course I was looking to find own spot that %100 mines but I've decided to take baby steps and start out doing this. I see myself in 6 months to a year attempting the next step but for now I am happy with what I have. And more important Im finally from up under my parents and the rest of my family. Now I have to just deal with me and my business which will only increase grind, focus, and on the other hand lower my stress level....I love my room at this new spot and I have the biggest one in the house. The closet is big enough to build a small mic booth on one half of it, which I plan to do. Whew!!! That's one less thing I have to deal with now.

As for the music: Ive been making mad progress in getting my own material together as well as finding clientele to submit instrumentals to. As u can see from the previous post I made at the beginning of this month, I finally released my first single titled "Get Down" off of one of my upcoming solo releases, The Sigh of Relief EP!!! If you havent heard it yet, please feel free to check it out!! I am singin, rhyming and of course I produced the track! I have the link on the last post on here and also on my Facebook profile which you can get to from here as well...I have gotten positive feedback from folks who have heard it. It's been out for about 2 weeks now and last time I checked my Zshare account where I have it streaming on the net, it showed that I had gotten over 80 spins!!! So people have been definitely checkin it out. I am going to release the next single is a couple weeks or so. Right now I am focused on just getting beats to the people who I have come across by grinding and networking. One artist that is noteworthy of mentioning is fellow DC native, Emcee/Producer Kokayi, who might I add got nominated for a Grammy last year!!! :o) You know your boy it pretty excited, more like estatic, to have a opportunity to work with this cat. I've know about his music for awhile, first hearing him in high school on a record he recorded with his band Cosmic Dapp Theory that he was in then. He is really good at what he does!!! Check him out. He allowed me to e-mail him work for a record he is currently finishing. Lastnight I really believe I made the record he is gonna want!!! I'll soon post that beat on here for yall to hear too! So right now my focus is just making the tracks he needs and gathering all the beats I've already done in the past couple of months for my next beat CD which I have to send to a handful of artist on the come up like myself. All I gotta say is stay tuned!!!! I told you I wouldnt dissapoint! Please check out my Facebook page and send a request if you would like. Also follow your man on Twitter: ArtisticVisionz

I know I have more news to tell ya but that will do it for now. I'm gonna continue to grind and get mine out here. I hope yall are doing the same thing. Soon to come will be more music, of course, and pics and video of yours truly on the grind. It's been a hell of a journey these last couple of years but I'm startin to faintly see the light at the end of the road!!! Be on the look out for the next blog!!! Until this. Peace, love and ble$$ing$!!! over and out

D Natural

Saturday, May 8, 2010

zSHARE - Track 01.mp3

zSHARE - Track 01.mp3 What's up to all my blogging fam! As promised I have realeased my first joint for all my peoples to listen to. It's called Get Down of my solo project The Sigh of Relief EP featuring me D Natural. I also of course, produced the track. Holla

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Long time no blog to!!

What's up everyone!! I just want yall to know that haven't quit blogging, it just that I've been very busy. I just wanted post this quick blog to let everyone know I'm good. I've been making moves, making music, making connections and grinding. I got a lot of good things to update yall on from my journey. As I type this on my Blackberry at during my fresh air break at work, I'm tired about to pass out. Ya boy has been getting it in though. I have new I gotta post as well as pics and other treats imma surprise yall with. Its been one big adventure but the future is lookin bright. Ill post a more in depth blog with all the details but I'm good. For those that have been reading, I appreciate and love yall for that!!! Until the next time, take care, live ur dream and keep the faith!!! Peace...

Friday, March 12, 2010

A quick short poem I just wrote! Enjoy

My tongue be a prism reflecting the language of rainbows, storytelling the motions of sunsets,my mind be a celestial radio transmitting the frequencies of angels making my words heavenly,I’m etching words in hieroglyphics on the walls of your conscience, in the end the haters can’t doubt my brilliance,I’m marrying success and my legacy will be our lovechild,soon to be dominated airwaves with sonic soul power, stay tuned to a dream not deferred,my art is my Led Zeppelin,my Stairway to Heaven

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Long time no see!!!!

What's up everyone!

Just so y'all know, I've haven't blogged since the the beginning of this month, but it's for many reasons. I've been very very very busy!!!! I've been on grind mode. I wasn't gonna blog until I had some exciting things to let you guys in on. I don't even no if anybody has been reading any of my blogs cause I don't see any comments. But then again, I look at some peoples blogs on here that are way more popular than me right now and they don't have comments from people most of the time. So it's no way for me to tell if anybody is reading. But it's all good, it's still an accurate account of what I'm going through and my grind. I won't mind lookin back on this the future and saying, "Damn, I was going through that shit! I overcame it though!!!!" I can't wait for those moments...

Since my last blog I have made some measurable amount of progress. I have just signed to BMI (Broadcasting Music Incorperated) so that they can handle the publishing of my music for the next 3 years. For those not familiar with them, the are a company that ensures that I get paid royalties($) from anyone that uses my original songs and music on radio, tv, albums, ect. They police the industry for people using any music that I have registered with them, and makes them pay for using my work in any media outlet and in turn they get a piece of those profits which is how they stay in business. A musician I play with in the choir band I'm in has been using them for years and he's happy for them. I knew I would eventually have to do that to get paid for my work in the long run and to establish longevity in the game. I'm real close to doing an album for the Humane Society!! The album will be another solo effort from me but each song will be written to help spread the message about the different programs the Humane Society advocates for and to let people know the importance of all God's creatures great and small. I've had this idea for awhile now but finally mustered up the courage to pitch the idea to the Humane Society. I didn't think they would call me back but they did!!! So now I'm just waiting to hear from the head of Business Promotions for the organization and I'll be able to give you more guys details from there! I've decided to give all the proceeds to the organization to benefit the animals! Can't wait to get started on it!! As for my other projects, my first solo album is still a working progress. I have completed some songs and have been sending the final versions to my man Jared Fite aka Thunderbird Juicebox (check him out!!) to do all the mastering. Everything is coming along fine!! I'm going to bang out more songs this weekend! Got the words and beats ready to go!! As soon as I get back the mastered versions from Jared I will post them here as well as other sites on the web!

I've been coming into contact with alot of my favorite artist on Twitter and have begun forming relationships with them. Can't wait to see what oppurtunities this yields!!! I'm very excited though! So as you can see, I've been a very busy guy but still so much to do. The grind never stops!

On a personal level, I'm still searching for the next spot I'm gonna live but haven't been having much luck. The first apartment I applied for I didn't get approved. I'm pretty sure it was because of my messed up credit! I'm getting that together though, but its a process. In the meantime, this really gets my spirits down at times. My friends tell me it will get better and not to stress. But most of them has never been homeless before and on the streets like I was, so its hard for them to really know whats on my mind and why I'm so worried. Ive been there before and I dont want to go back. I don't know what I will do if I ended up in that situation again. I have some time but don't have much. I got to September, so I gotta just continue to grind. I'll find something though, even if I have to suck it up and live or roommate with someone else, even though I don't want to. I just want to be by myself. I will keep y'all posted as usual on everythang. Other than that everything is looking up!! Gotta keep pushin.

Well that's about it for now untill the next time, y'all be cool and be safe out there in world. Peace out!!!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Beats, Rhymes, and Life

Yo!

That is not just the title to one dope Tribe Calles Quest Album but those things are the what I am all about. It's crazy lately what's been happening to me. When I think of it though, it is these very moments that are shaping who I am as a person and the assortment of lyrics and ideas coming to my head. A poem or a lyric for a song has always just appeared in my head as a thought, then I would brainstorm other words to connect to that original thought until I am forming sentences or stanzas. However, the way poems and lyrics come to me lately is quite different. I think maybe because I am focused on the strickly creating for the album. I'm always thinking of the beats I am using on this album and connecting the right verses to the right song. Sometimes I'll be thinking of ideas for one verse of one song and like 10 minutes later, I get an idea for a verse to a different beat. I am constantly going back in forth with these ideas in my head. It can be very fustrating sometimes especially when I am trying to capture all these different emotions and feelings as they come to me. But that's the gift and the curse of having these God given talents I guess. Recording and writing for the album is coming along quite well and I'll think will be able to get things done before the end of this month. My boy Jared aka Thunderbird Juicebox has told me he is still standing by to master the final mixes when I'm done. I have really wanted to get some songs on here since I last blogged about doing that, but I am not quite ready yet. I do apologize because I don't want to get people excited and then not deliver. Trust me when I do say though I will deliver with this project. I'm from the MD/DC area and we are supposed to be getting an ass load of snow this weekend. Like I'm talking a couple feet from what I hear. So I doubt I will be going to work next Monday or church Sunday. So with no where to go outside while being snowed in inside the house, I will have nothing but opportunity to write and wrap things up on this EP. I soon I get something I think worthy of posting, I'll put it up ASAP. I'm just such a perfectionist and I hate releasing something until its for sure the way I want it. I also am beginning to learn that while that is a good way to be, if you are going to be in the music industry where you have deadlines and stuff like that, you also have to be able to capture the record, get it done while being mindful of time. You have to have quality as well as be able to deliver your art in a timely manner. Stay tuned though cuz I have something special I know people will digg. Ya digg?

I have recently completed my taxes and all my returns were accepted by the government which is great because that means in about a week I'll be getting that good ol' refund. That refund is exactly what I need to help me move out in a couple of months, which is what I really need to do. After I get that, with a few more pay checks, I think I'll be ready to make that move. So let's all cross your fingers and hope that I can do it! I got to do it. That's all there is to it. I have no choice.

Other than all that everything has just been the same 'ol same 'ol. Until the next time, everyone be cool and I'll holla!! Peace
What's up y'all?!

I will have a whole new blog post up here later on today. But for now, here is a quick poem I just wrote almost a hour ago. Enjoy!

Untitled

I have recent memories
of living amongst savages on the streets
now a prince I walk with kings and I am next to claim my throne
royalty
I be
a modern day pharoah
conducting street orchestras
put on your shades from the radiance of my aura
using my life's harsh realities
morphing them into beautiful symphonies
hoping my song and stories
to be the soundtrack to your life's journey
for it is the vehicle
that has delivered me
from many of life's pergatory
and I'm sorry
if I appear to be
complex
misunderstood, sometimes it's hard for my soul to vex
the context
of my scene or set
but you can always find the real in the raw of my art
my existense epithet
and when it's all said and done I'll have but one regret
not being able enough to express
how much this universe has actually meant
to an artist with modest intent
to show the world
the bitter aesthetic
of his sentience

Monday, January 25, 2010

Welcome to My Birthday Blog!!!

What's up everyone!

If you didn't know, yes, today is my birthday. I am 26 years old. This past Saturday I had an outstanding B-day party with my homegirl Keemoy, who was also celebrating a birthday as well. I think I'm gonna have a little private party with myself this Saturday coming up though. I think I might get a cheap hotel room for a day just to get away from everything and everybody. I would like to spend that time having cocktails, chillin and recording songs for my EP. Speaking of that, I'm happy to let you all know that the writting process for my songs is coming along just fine. To get it in, I am writing just about anywhere I can. I be typing lyrics on my phone on the bus, writing lyrics at home, at work, anywhere. I have written more verses for my songs and I am really coming up with some great material. All I can say is expect witty punchlines, insightful commentary, and bangin soundscapes/instrumentals. Right now the way things are looking I should have the project itself completed by the end of next month. So let's cross our fingers. Well I'mma make this one a short one, but I'll holla at you all tomorrow with more insight into this crazy life of mine. Until that time, take care and God Bless.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

God Bless Haiti and God Bless Us All

Greetings Everyone!

Man, this week has sure been a bitter and fustrating. As I type this, I am in major pain. You see when I was in the Navy I fractured my top left shin bone or tibia when I hyperextended it going up for a rebound in a game of basketball. That was the reason I had to leave the Navy. This happened back in 06 and it has not healed right over the years. It is still fractured now. Even though I can walk on it, it still gives me great problems. I have been seeing a doctor for it, but so far they don't think an operation is needed. It is not a great feeling at all trust me. Then to make a bad week even worse, the earthquake happened in Haiti, which is a major tradgedy. I hope we as a country and others can get as much help to them as possible. I myself plan to donate what I can, when I find a place I would like to give through. I'm going to pray for everyone involved in that crisis that they get through this. To add to a growing list of things making me mad lately, my peeps are getting on my nerves. They always get on my nerves, but lately it has been ridiculous. Now maybe some of it I brought on myself, but I know for sure not all of it. You would think for somebody that has a broken leg and still trying to do the chores they demand, they would give a brother a break. But no, they think I can just get around with a problem. So of course they make me go up and down the steps to do various things, and act like they don't realize the extra pain they put me through for no reason. Maybe they really just don't care. I don't know. I know one thing though, enough is enough. I got to get the hell up out of there. I need to be alone, so I don't have to deal with anybody but myself. On top of that I doing my very best to fight off sickness. I'm doing a pretty good job so far, but the symptoms of a cold our trying to worsen. I rarely get sick and I cannot afford to be right now. Being sick slows you down and depletes your energy. I need all of that I can get to keep me moving and surviving around here. I am determined to get a few songs recorded. I got back in touch with another producer buddy of mine, Jared Fite, the one and only ThunderBird Juicebox. I encourage all of you guys to look him up and check him out. He is an awesome producer with great music that will get you breakin in no time. I know he's going to go on and do big things. So we had been talking about him doing the mastering of all my songs for my EP and he was excited to lend a hand. We had been playing phone tag for a minute but I chatted with him briefly on Facebook before he went to work. I will be giving him a call tonite after he gets off. I know we got alot to catch up about. That one phone call right there might be the highlight of my whole week. The reason being that we are both music nerds who can spend all day talking about the business, producing, other artist and equipment. It's always fun talking with him about these things and I always learn something new. He has a little more experience in the business so far than I do and he's getting connected with alot of key people. I love living vicariously through the adventures and situation he gets himself. I respect him alot and glad to be connected with him. I know we are gonna collab on alot of good music. I'm glad I'll be chopping it up with him because I need something positive to brighten up my gloomy mood. It's just a combination of mess that I have been trying to not let eat at me, but sometime certain things just push my buttons. Anyone who is in to praying, please pray for a brother because I'm going through it. I know things can be worse, but they also can be better too. Then I just heard my man Gilbert got charged with a felony which means his NBA days are most likely over. I am really mad at that!! He is one of my favorites ever as I have mentioned in the previous blog.

Well I hate to end this one on a bitter note but hey, that's life. Until the next time, take care and keep hope alive because I'm sure gonna try... Peace

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

What's happening people!?

It's your man D Natural here, just checking in with y'all to update you on this chaos I call my life, lol. I hope everyone out there is doing alright, maintaining and getting business taken care of. I sure am trying to do the same thing. My homeboy Brandon was understanding me when I was talking about how crazy things can get when your trying to get so much accomplished. I explained to him how I really want to get this first solo project done by the end of February and how fustrated I was that I have not been able to complete things lately when I want to complete them. I do believe he was right when he responded that I have to pace myself. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day and good things do take time to create. The last thing I want to do is rush the rest of this recording project. I really do have to pace myself. I'm still proud of myself for getting things taken care of lately though.

I've managed to pay off some of this debt I have by getting caught up with student loans, paying off other loans completely as well as staying on top of current bills. I still have some ways to go to pay all this stuff off though because I was careless with my income a few years back while in the military. So now I am in the process of building my credit back up and all that jazz. I'm really intent on getting caught up on as much of these little debts I racked up as possible. The reason being that I'm trying to set myself up prior to moving into my own place, so that I don't have many things I owe on moneywise. When I make that move, where ever I make my bachelor pad, I plan on staying there for awhile and not getting kicked out. I've been homeless before and I ain't going back to that crap. I've been taking care of whatever business I can and I do happily expect my credit score to increase in about a few months. It has went up a little bit recently which has also made me very happy. I remember how it used to look and let's just say I was truly ashamed. With that said, I'm still finding ways to give what I have to help others as well. On Wednesday I will be helping a friend out by giving them some money to help with a situation that they're in. It feels good to give. I'm a big fan and student of Russell Simmonds who said's in his book Do You! that you become a good getter when you become a good giver. I am simply sowing some good karma into my future. After all, this is a new year with new beginnings and I very focused on being successful in all areas of my life.

For those of you that don't know, my birthday is this month on the 25th and I will be 26. I am excited to be having a birthday celebration with my homegirl Keemoy whose birthday is a couple days before mine. We've decided to throw a party with all our friends together. So far the guest list is looking pretty good. Atleast 50 people are attending with more possibly on the way. It's really gonna be exciting being that we posted the party on Facebook. Alot of old friends I've connected with recently are coming to the party and some of them I haven't seen in over 15 years. I'm gonna have people I haven't seen since elementary, middle, and high school as well as college. It's truly gonna be a night to remember. You know your boy is gonna be looking fly and at my best. I haven't been to a good party in awhile so I'm looking to really let loose and party like a rockstar.

Speaking of Facebook, I recently chatted on there with someone from No Bull Radio which is an online radio that plays indie and underground music. Not only will they play my music but they also want an interview with me to get the word out about what I do. I'm so excited to work with them to make this happen. It just motivates me to get this first project wrapped up so I can debut my music on their radio station! As far as writing and recording, I've made some progress in the writing of songs. I'm more confortable in how to approach each song and how the structure of the songs gonna flow. This week I should be able to knock out some songs with no problem being that I don't to be at choir rehearsal. You see this week is Men's week and when the Men's choir sing someone else plays. It's the only Sunday out the month when I don't play. So you know I'm really glad I don't have to be there tonite or Thursday. I can use that time as well other times to record, and I will. As I said earlier, look for at least one link for one song on here that I will upload from the solo project.

Well that's about all that's really crackin right now. I'll be putting more pics up as well as other stuff on here so stay tuned and I won't dissapoint. Until next time, stay safe and keep the faith!!!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

NEW YEAR NEW MUSIC NEW BUSINESS NEW MONEY NEW START!!!

What's up world!

Happy New Year to all first of all. I have wanted to post my first blog of this year earlier than this but time didnt allow. Anyhow, I am looking forward to all the exciting things that will be happening this year with my music and my poetry. Shout out to my very first follower, the lovely Mrs. Ashley Scurlock.

As for the music, I have been scribling lyrics hear and there but nothing to write home about yet. I have been getting the craving to record lately, which is really good because I'm more motivated to find the time to get this first project done so that I may move on to the next ones. The next projects will be strickly my spoken word poetry over my music production. I am really excited to begin work on those releases. My Twitter account is slowly growing with followers and friends. It's amazing who you can talk to on there, especially famous people. When I upgrade to my new business phone next month, I will be on Twitter non-stop as well as Facebook. I'm also still going to continue to develop this Blog as well as the Myspace spot. Seperate from the songs on my first solo project, I will soon be uploading links to exclusive free songs. I should have the first one up in like a week, so cross your fingers. There is so much that needs to be done and I'm very anxious to get things completed. I gotta take it one day I a time so bear with me and I promise I'll deliver that fresh sound you are looking for.

On a personal note, I am mad they suspended my man Gilbert Arenas over that bullshit that happened with guns in the Wizards lockeroom. I am a big NBA fan and a fan of the Washington Wizards. Even though they are not having a stellar season, I still faithfully tune in and watch their games. One of the main reasons I follow them is because of Gilbert. He is one of my favorite players. I also respect what he has had to deal with in his life, overcoming the odds, and that he plays hard with passion. I hope he gets through this situation okay. I know he' mad cause he hasnt played in nearly two years from injury and he finally comes back but now can't complete the rest of the season(with no pay at that). Not that he needs the money though, LOL. Keep your head up Gil. Much love.

I gotta get crackin at finding an apartment, I need my space and my sanity. Will Smith was on point when he came out with the song "Parents just don't understand"!! Living with my peeps sucks ass and I gotta escape asap. For those of you that live with your peeps and not mind, much respect because I can't. I need to be alone. Pray for me as I get this money up to make that move. That is a main priority!

Alrighty until the I'm gonna steal my man Tavis Smiley's closing words saying: Take care and Keep the Faith!!!

Peace