Humbled . . .

 

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What's up world?!?

I'm just starting to recover as I type this, due to nearly fainting when I discovered that the legendary music journalist/author, Danyel Smith, not only knows who I am but even favorited my profile on About.me.  If you don't know who she is Google or Youtube her right now, or you can simply click to enlarge the above screenshot and read just a few of her many outstanding accomplishments. For those of you that's been following my chronicles here for awhile, you know I wrote a post about how surprised I was when the legendary Michael Narada Walden, showed me love on another profile of mines. The love shown from Danyel Smith here ranks right up there!!!

Now please don't get me wrong. Trust me, I really do appreciate ALL the support, love, and respect that EVERYONE takes the time to show me. It really does keep me going. But when I am acknowledged from the super-stars of the industry like these individuals, it truly is the icing on the cake. The fact that Danyel Smith has contributed in a major way in more ways than one, to all the music publications that I've grown up reading (while wishing I can be in one day), just absolutely thrills me! She has worked with all my heroes and I know she isn't a fan of just anybody plus keeps it real, which is part of the reason why her opinion is valued and so critical in the industry. So the fact that she actually took the time to check me out and liked me, leaves me speechless.

This seems to be happening to me more and more recently. Just when I think no one cares or even appreciates my work, I get pleasant surprises like this. This just confirms that I must be on the right track. I know in my heart and soul when my work is decent enough to share with the rest of you, or I just don't release it. At the same time, I'm still scared to death when I put things out because I don't want to disappoint anyone and I put a lot of pressure on myself to do my best. Also when I mention my musical or literary endeavors to 90% of my family these days, they don't want to know anything about it, no matter what success I could be enjoying. Some of them even change the conversation while I'm in mid sentence or look the other way (seriously). I've learned that a lot of it is jealousy, envy, and a reflection of how they view themselves, which is the last type of energy you want to receive from your loved ones. God forbid I become successful from doing what I absolutely love instead of doing what everyone else is conditioned to settle for in society. I had texted my grandmother recently with the news that I had the first of my releases on iTunes and didn't even get a text back, a congrats or anything. If I texted her that I had a job interview for a corporate entity, I bet everything I own, I would have received a positive text back. Now I'm not the type that needs a pat on the back, but some type of positive encouragement is good for everyone I think, especially from family. So for all my haters, take that, take that, ha ha!

I can give numerous examples about how sharing my ambitions with my family will get a response from them as if I'm sharing my plans for genocide or something hellish. However, I think you guys get the point by now. I just never could understand that they choose not to recognize these obvious abilities that the Divine has given me. I know if I had a son who could do some of the things I could, I would have been his business manager, tour manager, roadie and biggest fan in whatever path he chose to go with it.                                       

Anywayz......

When I get love from notable individuals like Danyel Smith, it trumps any negativity I can receive from anyone and is just a beautiful reminder that my labor of love is not in vain. I guess we truly never know who's watching us. But they are only watching me because of decisions I've made to go and get mines with gifts God gave me. This was very inspiring and motivating. I want to say thanks to everyone out there that's been down with me and loving what I do. I consider the fans my TRUE family, because I get the love and appreciation for being me. Not just my music, poetry or performances, but > > > ME.

Until the next time beautiful people, keep the faith and keep chasing your dreams!

OneLove

D-Natural
Artistic Visionz Productions

New Year New Beginnings

What's up world ?!?

It's been awhile since my last post here, I know. As I've said before, when y'all don't see ya man blogging, just know that I am very busy indeed!!

Tomorrow is the anniversary of my birth. I don't call it my birthday, since technically we only have one birthday. However, tomorrow is the day that I it happened for me. Now, usually I don't celebrate mines, but this year I think I will. I've been through a lot & have grown considerably as a human being as well as an artist. I have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for. I appreciate the blessings and the knowledge I've gained over the past year. I've put in a lot of work and it's because of that, I'm looking very forward to what this year will yield for me! 

Since it's been awhile since I've given y'all a personal update on my music, poetry and my Artistic Visionz Productions imprint, allow me to do so now...

Alwayz Therro Magazine December 2012

I was approached by Alwayz Therro magazine back in November for an interview to be published in their December issue. This was such a wonderful opportunity for me and a great way to end off the year! They were so professional and I enjoyed doing the interview with them. You can hit them up and subscribe to check out the above issue that I'm in, along with all the other incredible issues they have released. In the interview I discuss my humble beginnings as a musician/artist, give my commentary on music today and so much more! Check them out today and see what they are all about, truly great journalism indeed. 

Ceteris Paribus EP

As of right now, I'm almost complete with the first project I'm releasing this year, an EP entitled Ceteris Paribus. The title is Latin and comes from a term that I learned in Economics class. It basically means nothing else is changing or that everything else remains constant. This inspired the title and theme for this album. 

The songs on this album are cathartic and find me expressing that even though life is a constant   cycle of different changes, I will remain steadfast in my quest to be an unique artist.The album art is a bee on a brick wall. The brick wall symbolizes the walls or obstacles life can place in front of you. However we know that the bee is a busy & hardworking creature, prepared and determined to handle their business one way or another. 

Even though life yields me obstacles that can throw me off my path, I will remain constant & become who I intend to be. I will look to release the album over the next 2 weeks, from which point I will move onto to the other projects I have in store for the people. 2013 will be a very prolific year for D-Natural & Artistic Visionz. Stay tuned!!

I want to thank everyone for their support of me!! 

You guys have no idea how you motivate & inspire me to keep this movement going. I intend to begin this year off in grand fashion, with the release of many unique projects & prose! 

Until the next time, keep the faith & keep chasing your dreams. 

One Love

D-Natural

AVP