I Am Phella

“I get a lot of back lash for saying what I’m going to do. I love saying what I think because it keeps me accountable. Once I say it, I feel like I have to to do it and I love proving to everyone that I can!”-Kanye West (Page 16 of his book)

Last post of the year, gotta make it count. First and foremost I must thank each and every person who reads, comments, laughs, and shares anything they see on here. It means much to me that people take time to check what I got going on and allow me to share my work and my thoughts with them. Appreciate it.

Shout out to everyone who helped me this year. There’s no one I came across that I didn’t learn from. Every person I encountered on the street, every facebook /myspace profile I read, and every blog post that I viewed helped me in some form. Even if it’s just me saying “Phell don’t you ever do what that person just did”. I would love to shout people out individually but it’s impossible….way too many people were instrumental in my 2008 run.

Easily the happiest of my 21 years on this earth. Had the pleasure of working with people I grew up idolizing. That’s not even supposed to happen. Only in the movies. I was able to touch people with words both recorded and written. Helped a few folks advance their careers. Introduced people around me to a whole new way of thinking and living. Came across so many smart people that passed on knowledge that the worlds biggest library couldn’t provide.

2008 was everything 2007 wasn’t. 07′ was where I cut off everyone to get my life on track without any distractions. Very selfish but necessary. I had to go through 07′ to get to 08′ so I ain’t mad.

2008 was the year I tried to reconcile a few of the relationships I lost the previous year. I believe people who really care for each other can go years without speaking and pick up right where they left off like it was nothing. If you don’t speak to someone for a few months then next time you speak to them it seems funny,that relationship was never worth much in my opinion. Anyways, 2008 I made a pact not to cut anyone off (just an extremist way of compensating for the mass cut offs of 2007). It (kinda) worked except mad people took advantage. No matter what people did, I let it ride till my patience finally ran out around September and I reverted back to my old low patience self. It’s really not low patience. You shouldn’t have to tolerate other peoples BS in your life unless it’s a relationship you really really value. And even then there should be a “let’s fix the BS” time frame.

The following was my approach towards life in 2008 written in WordsFrom style (Might get posted there too, I sent it in).

In 2008 I Ran

Running=Pursuing goals in life. The Finish Line=Accomplishing those goals in a timely fashion and maintaining happiness while doing so.

I put my head down and I run forward with velocity. My head is down so I don’t see any potential obstacles or hazards that might discourage me from running. I run with velocity as opposed to speed because any fool can run fast as hell in the wrong direction;velocity however is knowing your direction and then applying speed to it. I take note of everything I pass along the way and try to apply it to my run. The temptation occurs to look ahead but I take great pleasure in my current progress.

Occasionally I’ll slow down but never completely stop. I slow down to make sure I’m still comfortable with the direction I’m going in. If someone behind wants to run with me they are more than welcome. Running partners can make the journey easier but they are not a necessity. To join, you have to offer something positive to the run and cannot show any signs of weakness or doubt. If you don’t 100% believe in something, don’t do it. Plain and simple.

If it’s revealed that you’re a person looking for a free ride or that you are scared or incapable of running,I’ll simply leave you behind without explanation. Same will be done if you are a person that easily gets jealous of the velocity and confidence that one runs with. There’s no magic potion or secret shoe. It’s simply the constant practice of acquiring knowledge,hard/smart work, and blind faith.

If you lack those and envy me for having them, I’ll leave you behind. No hard feelings. No diss songs or harsh text messages need to be exchanged. In the event you do disrespect me for my decision, I’ll run even harder. Your unkind sentiments will be dealt with appropriately after the run. I also won’t tolerate if you come off as a person willing to cut corners or cheat in the run. Sorry but no golf carts or rocket boosters allowed. We want to get to the finish line but not that bad.

Shout out to all my runners. See you at the track in 2009.

Sidenote:Props again to Will Smith for the motivation to run. Props to Sickamore on the Velocity vs Speed speech way back in the early days of The Famous Firm. That always stuck with me for some reason. Props to everyone that did decide to run with me this year and those who will be running with me in 2009. Also props to those who don’t run with me but do get their run on. “Real Recognize real and ya’ll looking familiar.”

2009 Goals:
I started working on my new year goals in November. One of them I’ve already accomplished. It was more so a physical benchmark I was trying to reach. Those who knew me back in the “big boned” days know the difference.
Sidenote: Jacks I’m gonna really need you to burn those super fat pics. I’m not embarrassed that I used to be a chubby kid but those pics are just overboard.

I always have so much on my mind but I’m going to try and channel it more into a microphone and less on blogs. I feel like I say too much on here. That’s until I find Mrs.Phella. Then I’ll just tell her all my thoughts while we count bags and bags of illegal cash (sort of a joke).

Speaking of microphones. Got a mega-super duper-blow your socks off-wish I could say it right now type of announcement about my music coming in the end of January.

Speaking of January. I’m excited to get to work on the N.E.P.H.E.W project. Add one more Chicago MC to your list please. Big ups to his manager Rico as well.

I am extremely excited about the Firm and all we will be doing. 2009 is on track to be a breakout year for the company the way I see it.

In 2007 my focus was strictly about money and it was successful. In 2008 my focus was strictly about happiness and it was successful. In 2009 I’m hoping to achieve both simultaneously. I’m not even sure it’s possible but it should be a fun ride.

Also gotta get back to playing basketball again. If we do the summer team this year,I just might play.

Try to check on people more. Sick and tired of being yelled at for never calling,texting, or online messaging. I honestly care, just don’t like bothering people.

I WISH A HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH MUCH LOVE AND SUCCESS TO EVERYONE OUT THERE .

Oh and remember. You are you and I AM PHELLA….hahaaaaaa gotta love corny phrases at the end of movies…I’m gone

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I really really really didn’t want to blog this. Part of my new years goal is to not depict myself as some “save the world” a$$ n*gga. I think post-Obama we have too many of those and I don’t wanna be part of the new “cool”. Plus I’ve been about change since birth and I’ll continue to be. I just won’t be as vocal about it anymore till the trend dies down. But I gotta get this last one in.

Sidenote:Merry Christmas to everyone out there by the way, hope it was great.

Now on to the story of innocence. I was at a store just buying some random items and I saw all these cool toys for kids. Immediately these two kids popped in my mind. A little girl and her brother who used to be my neighbors. Let’s just say their family situation isn’t the best and they probably weren’t going to get any Christmas gifts. So I bought the toys that I thought they would like and had my mom call their mom to find their new residence. I showed up unannounced and gave them the gifts and what happened next is the main point I’m trying to get across.

Those kids were sooooooooooooo happy you would think I gave them everything in the world. They smiled and jumped and thanked me over and over. Their mom was so emotional because she was just in the process of explaining to them why they wouldn’t get presents this year due to her not working for the past 6 months. When I say they were happy, I mean HAPPY. So happy that I started playing the toys with them. That 20 mins I spent there made my whole entire year.

I say all that to say that innocence children have is the best thing I think in the world and I want to regain as much of that as possible. The toys didn’t cost a million dollars but that didn’t matter to them. I left their house with the thought in mind that I ABSOLUTELY must become wealthy so I can help provide that kind of joy to more than two children. I’ve always been about getting money so I can better peoples lives but this completely sealed the deal.

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Got up this morning and every e-mail, text msg, facebook status and Blackberry Messenger name I saw was depressing. www.iamphella.com won’t contribute to all that negative energy….”that ain’t the happiness we like pursuing.” Decided to post random positive things. Hope it works.

This pic of Christ The Redeemer in Brazil is one of the illest pics EVER. I’m definitely going over there next year.

Mrs.Carter decided to shoot a video for my favorite joint off her album. I haven’t watched yet but I’m sure it’s ill. Everything she does is ill. “She can see my Halo, but you say I’m a-hole/then wonder why on all those nights I never came home”-Phella (Unreleased Song)

Two of the best to do it chopping it up at the barber shop. Loso and Joey.

I randomly got my role in The Famous Firm transcended yesterday. That’s great news, but I won’t go into detail until next year. I’ve more than learned my lesson about premature announcements.

Also today is the Famous Firm head honcho’s bday. Sickamore turns 24. Feel free to stop by here or here to wish well.

Lastly Christina of FF was featured in this Nike Ad. Looks very cool. The person in purple shoes by the way.

Aight I’m outta here. I’m really not supposed to be blogging right now but I made this exception to spread some good news. Hope it worked.

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Disclaimer:Just my thoughts. Just what I’m feeling at the time you know what I mean. Don’t sue me or throw a shoe at me.

Barack Obama I believe is the best example of advancing culture and doing things your way without losing the masses.I think creative people have been far more daring and risk taking as of late. Everyone wants to start a movement and revamp the culture. I credit most of it to a desire to not be boxed in and typecast as “one of the rest” since so many people write/model/sing/rap/act. We all know that settling for the status quo is never the way to go, however when you take a giant creative leap and fall flat (or appear to fall flat), you have no one to blame but yourself. It’s become too cliche to say “oh I just went over the audiences heads”. Sometimes this is the case but recently it’s more of a cop out creative people use when their work doesn’t connect with the masses. Maybe they do get “it” and just don’t like “it”. Maybe they do understand and appreciate your attempt but “it” didn’t suit what they expected.

Just yesterday I had a conversation with Jabari of HipHopGame and one of the things we discussed was how his recent short interview with Soulja Boy about beef was probably his most watched interview ever, while the lengthier more in depth second installment barely scratched 1000 views. We concluded at the end of the convo that it’s cool to do what you want to do, but if you want mass appeal you have to appeal to the masses.

When Jay-Z dropped Kingdom Come only die hard Jay-Z fans and people who were in a similar mind state enjoyed the album. Same with Kanye’s 808’s & Heartbreaks. If you are a Kanye fan or you just lost someone and know the feeling of heartbreak then that album is probably classic to you. If you were just in search of entertainment then you probably find both Kingdom and 808’s to be a bit on the boring/annoying side. Jay-Z and Kanye aren’t wrong for making what they felt like making but neither are you for stating that you didn’t quite enjoy it.

Even I went through this last month with my Sweatpants In The Club EP. I was going through so much that I needed to let out. I didn’t care about ill flows and slick metaphors. I just wanted to get my message across. Those who’ve followed Phella since day one and those who were going through similar emotions loved the EP. Those who were not gave it a so-so review. Not my fault, not theirs either. The problem comes in when the creative person gets upset with the fans or the fans get upset at the creator. Neither party is at fault in my opinion.

I believe the perfect balance is achieved when Kanye does College Dropout or Jay-Z does The Blueprint. Both albums appeal to casual fans who just want to hear nice tunes and the die hard ones seeking thought provoking music from their favorite act.

I won’t give away Seven Pounds but there’s really not much to give away. From the moment you walk in, you’ll know how it ends. The stuff that fills up the time between beginning and end had me checking my phone and dozing off periodically. I’m a die hard Will Smith fan and I like his work because it’s witty, action packed and thought provoking. This movie was only thought provoking and barely at that. It will appeal to people who can’t get enough of Will or people who have experienced the devastation of medical issues. To the casual fan seeking the entertainment of Men In Black or Independence Day, save your money.

“I can take Seven Pounds but it might confuse em/Cuz that ain’t the Happyness we like Pursuing”-Phella “So Real”…can you say prophecy?

Oh and with all that said I loved Kingdom Come,808’s & Heartbreaks plus I enjoyed (some parts of) Seven Pounds. I’m speaking for the people who don’t idolize Jay, Ye and Will.

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“I have not failed….I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”-Thomas Edison

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Reasons Why Jamz Should Chill from Phellito Brigante on Vimeo.

When the homegirl Jamz sent a 1 minute video my way, she should’ve expected a 5 minute movie in return right?

Shout out to J.Rob and Jacks for their honesty. Couldn’t track down the old head who has witnessed my pool wizardry but I believe this shall suffice.

Sidenote:Seven Pounds is out in theaters in a few hours. I got all my workouts in from Sunday thru today just so tomorrow can be dedicated to watching that and eating whatever I feel like eating. Hopefully it doesn’t dissapoint…review coming soon.

Sidenote#2:What up to JT of Asap Music Group in Baltimore. Ya’ll get it in. Had a good time out there in Charm City minus this one weirdo who tried to bag me up…sorry player but I don’t do the midnight train to Georgia. Phelly Phell likes the ladies only.

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Phella’s pool challenge from candied jamz. on Vimeo.
I feel like Jay when he first heard “Ether” on Angie Martinez show. All I can say is “wow”. What was supposed to be a friendly pool challenge amongst two Firm members just got serious. Ya’ll aint heard the last. I’ll holla back.

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Disclaimer:This Picture Is From Last Year Christmas….and yes that’s a pillow under there, was trynna get a laugh out of my little cousin.
“Never sold millions but f*ck it I’m here to save the babies”-AZ

Anyway I don’t know how it is where you’re at but it doesn’t feel much like Christmas around here. The weather and the current state of the economy being huge reasons why. Have no fear, Phella Clause is here to remedy that.

Favorite Christmas Songs:

Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt

This Christmas by Donny Hathaway
Silent Night by Boyz II Men
Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt
Jingle Bell Rock by (sorry I don’t know their name) off the Home Alone Soundtrack

Favorite Christmas Movies:

Home Alone 1&2
This Christmas
To Grandmothers House We Go (Yea I said it, sue me)

Favorite Christmas Themed Show:

I like all of them. “Full House”, “Family Matters”, “Fresh Prince” etc…but the best had to be this “Martin” episode. Hahaaa @ “Baby this must be the southside of Bethlehem”

Favorite Gift:
Can’t really think of one in particular. I’ve never been too big on presents. Probably some bike or something.

Favorite Memories:
Getting off school. Eating good food and watching movies. Back before global warming when it used to snow and we would be outside in the snow from morning til late at night. Just the overall festiveness and atmosphere. Me and my brother ruining the surprise every year when we were little by ripping the gifts open waaaaaaaaaay before Christmas. Spent one Christmas in London when I was like 7 or 8 years old and had the best time ever. And lastly, going to Macy’s in New York on Christmas Eve was crazy….CHRISTMAS TIME INSANITY!!!!!!!!!

Least Favorite Memory:
Sneaking in the closet when I was 10 to try and figure what was inside the gift wraps. I found this nicely wrapped CD and automatically assumed it was a game for Playstation. I ran around the crib jumping and celebrating. Didn’t sleep that night in anticipation of opening up my new game. Woke up the next morning and it wasn’t even for me. It was some nonsense musical cd for someone else…smh.

This Years Wish:

I got everything I want and need. Only thing missing is Keyshia Cole or someone that posseses similar qualities to her. We’ll see how it goes.

Sidenote #1:Shout to DJ Heat of DC Mumbo Sauce/WPGC 95.5. She was the first influential person to support my music way back before she had a blog or was on Tiggers show. Continues to show love and it’s much appreciated.

Sidenote #2:Seven Pounds comes out on Friday

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