To some this may be random, to some it may be a shock, to some it may be another meaningless thing I say, to some it may make you say it is about time: I have come to the decision of working on me as an artist. The reason is because I feel I need to finally put myself first. A lot of hot songs have come out because of my production and I don't feel the love is what it is supposed to be. So I am sticking to my core. My core knows who they are, so they are good. A lot of my music I record gets looked over on a constant by my peers, dj's, and others and I am sick of it. I am honestly a bit frustrated about some things, but no one ever me handed me anything in life without me earning it. Its time I show people I'm just as good an artist as my peers are. Although I don't compete, I do know I am capable of doing so. I still will not compete, but just know that my greatness will not be proclaimed and promoted by me. The announcement won't be a big deal to anyone but me. No one cares. Everyone has a blog and a Twitter and a Myspace Facebook or whatever now, so things are not taken as serious as they should be if youre not popular and have a following of people who will publicize your every move on the internet. This is not a tirade or a caps lock filled blog, this is how I feel and I am sticking to it. Im glad I am showing maturity as well writing this because had this been a year or two ago, I would have went on a profanity laced tirade and been visibly upset along with violent. But upset I am not. I just know what has to be done and could care less about anyone's feelings now. The real people will stand out and stick with me, and the fake will be forgotten.
Honestly, music upsets me at times. There is no reason another state should be showing me more love than my state. I am very appreciative that I can reach other states, but I would expect my city to show love first. I have shows, and even my closest people don't show up. I go out to other people's events, and when I have something, they are nowhere to be found. That is in general. Parties, shows, whatever. I get that general text that says come out and have a good time with us, but when I send you a text like that its annoying. Come on. Please. If you can do it, why cant I? This is just a glimpse of the things that irk me and kind of upset me though. The rest will be revealed at the right time. Peace.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Announcement Regarding My Music
Monday, October 26, 2009
Some Of The Realest Words I Ever Heard
"I warn you, I am just beginning! If there is in your hearts a vestige
of love for your country, love for humanity, love for justice, listen
carefully... I know that the regime will try to suppress the truth by
all possible means; I know that there will be a conspiracy to bury me in
oblivion. But my voice will not be stifled – it will rise from my
breast even when I feel most alone, and my heart will give it all the
fire that callous cowards deny it... Condemn me. It does not matter.
History will absolve me." -Fidel Castro
Those are some of the realest words I have ever heard and now one of my
favorite quotes. That's how I feel with hip-hop. It has been dumbed down
and watered down to the point where it makes me upset when garbage slips
through the cracks. Then when something different comes along, it is
ridiculed and laughed at. No I'm not talking about skinny jeans and
bright colors. I'm talking about music with a message. I'm sick of me
and my people getting shot down, and I'm taking my measures to get
respected. I'm not laying out the battleplan to yall, so yall could copy
it make a few changes and say it was you who started it. You will see
when everyone else sees.
--kawaanlee
It's Been A While
What's going on people? It has been a minute. That doesn't mean I
haven't been grinding and working hard. I'm on more websites now.
Chances are if its poppin, I'm on there. Not as a feature, but I'm
working on that. Its not easy trust me. Best believe though, I'm working
on my album The People vs. Kwan Lee. Its not anticipated, or in demand,
but I'm dropping it. I don't care about the demand or the anticipation.
Its hard to get support in my city man! I laugh about it though.
Everything will come in due time. I'm appreciative of the love that is
shown to me though. Very appreciative. Shoutout to everyone that
genuinely shows love. Anyway, yall know the links. If yall don't just
google Kwan Lee and Kwan Lee TV! Peace...
Kwan Lee
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Process Is Here
The Process is finally here. I cannot even begin to tell you what a journey it has been. From On With The Show Volume 1 to an official album. Yes an official album. All orignial beats no samples and available for retail. To be a part of that feels great. If you want to buy it, go here and do so...
It feels good man. It definitely does feel good to be a part of this. Not even because I produced 2 songs on it. Just off the strength that I was actually around to witness it happen. A lot of rappers that aren't signed are always throwing that album title out so loosely and my boy Elus done went and did it! LET'S GO!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
WOW.
I have not been doing any personal blogs in a while because I have been busy doing music, and all the other things I do. Or at least try to do. Today I uploaded Purple Pain to That Crack's website, just to get it out you know? Then when I got home, I decided to check the numbers. 1,164 downloads in less than 24 hours, and that brings the project close to 2,000 total. I had to wipe my eyes and refresh the page! I could not believe it. I'm still in denial lol! I actually cried a few hours ago because of this personal success. It is crazy to me, and I don't feel that the road has even officially started yet...
I never really anticipated much in my life because I was always told I cant for the most part. I got shot down when it came to a lot of my "dreams", and when it came to music especially. Music was the only thing I felt I was at least halfway decent at. I tried basketball and realized the closest I'd get to playing alongside NBA superstars was creating myself in the video games. So, I channeled my energy into music. I thank my pops for introducing me to the people who put me on about how to make beats without having expensive equipment or a keyboard. I don't know how I became good at it. I also thank my mother for allowing me to have a relationship with my father even though he was not there when I was younger for me at all. If it wasn't for them, I would not be here making music. I would also like to thank my grandmother because she helped me keep my head up when I was down, and still does to this day. Everyone who supported is important to me, but these 3 are my integral pieces.
Just looking at this situation makes me glad that I have humbled myself and continue to do so. I have a few kinks and flaws to work out still, but I am glad that I carry myself the way I do. I have no reason to change because being myself is working. I feel I went from being worried about "being the man" to being a man. I feel I went from someone who was laughed at to someone you can laugh with. Music has made me grow up and look at life differently. There are still some things I cannot grasp and will make mistakes or react in a way I shouldn't at the time, but I am still learning how to deal with issues, my anger, and people who do not want to see someone prosper. I have came a very long way with my anger though in so little time. I used to think that life was from Broadway to Ralph Ave., and that the only news that mattered was what was going on where I physically was. Music played a very big part in reassuring me that was not the case, as well as help me deal with my anger and issues I encounter. I thank God for giving me this gift that I still cant believe has been given to me, of all people. I will remain to be appreciative and humble. Thank you all.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Interview With Ayvii Armada
Ayvii Armada is a photographer, music a&r, and a music journalist. She has interviews with a lot of up and coming artists and models in the music and fashion industries respectively. I had the great opportunity of interviewing her...
1. When did you get into journalism and photography?
Ayvii: Last year I realized how many connects I had accumulated over years of working in the music industry, so started my photography company. This year I decided it would be a great business move to combine my photography with Journalism and the rest just flowed.
2. What was your first interview?
Ayvii: My first interview was with Super Model Miguel Perdomo. He's one of the lead campaign models for Sean John and also a really great friend of mine.
3. For all of the people who are getting into photography, what equipment do you use to take pictures and what software do you use to touch up pictures? What did you start out with?
Ayvii: Well I use digital cameras with high resolutions, Nikon's, and cannons. As for re-touching I use PS4 only. I always started out with photoshop, its the best when picture editing skin and lighting.
4. What is your favorite interview and why?
Ayvii: My favorite interview so far was Cinematic/Epic Records Recording Artist Smoke Dza because I liked hearing about him talk about how great it is to get high ha ha
5. What is the worst interview you have conducted?
Ayvii: I actually haven't had and bad interviews. I'm thankful for all of them, and everyone is always so cooperative
6. Any advice for anyone getting into journalism and/or photography?
Ayvii: I'd say practice makes perfect, and when working in the arts, it all has 2 come from the heart!
7. What are a few interesting things that people don't know about you?
Ayvii: Well actually I started off as a rapper since 2002, but I loved to write more than anything. So eventually I became an AnR for 5 years working with Major Labels and Independent. I also did TV commercials because I was also a model for four years.
8. If you weren't doing photography and journalism what would you be doing?
Ayvii: I would def. Be in law school. I studied law for 5 years and part of me is still considering taking it up as a profession.
9. What are your plans for 2010?
Ayvii: I def. Plan on helping out unsigned hype and furthering my photography company and journalism website. I'm always open to meet new people with creative ideas to work with!
You can catch more of Ayvii on: Twitter Myspace and Her Website