I've been doing some thinking. And some watching. Asking myself is it worth it? I love making music. I love being around music. I personally think I make great music. However, with the actions and remarks by my peers, I feel that is opposed. I feel like the 12th man on the basketball team again. The high-five man you see when they give timeouts on tv. Only difference is I'm not that enthusiastic.
I'm a smart person. I master timing. And I think its time I explored other options as far as music. Hip-Hop is cool, it is great, and I love it with a passion. But with all the things that go on, I really evaluate is it worth it. The actions and gestures illustrated to me reflect these exact words: This is our game, fall back. From even my peers closest to me. Those exact words.
I've been contemplating how I'm going to bow out for a while now. While I can't explain how I vividly feel, some will understand. I have it mapped out exactly how I'm going to do it. No, I'm not quitting anything and everything, but more so directing attention to other things that are proven success. My peers have hinted that maybe rap isn't for me. Numerous amounts of times. Maybe they were right, but I'm confident they are wrong. And confidence superceds other people's opinion.
This retirement run is going to be one similar to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's. Ill most likely drop the last joint and just say thank you for having me. It is what it is. I already have everything planned out, and will carry it out how I want it to be carried out. Nothing can and will change my mind.
Don't worry, ill still be around. Kwan Lee TV won't stop. I love the game too much to just leave it. Its like basketball. The old players gotta have some involvement....
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Retirement Run Is Coming
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
@cgproductionz First Mixtape: Certified Genius Volume 1.
So My Man CG from New Jersey, who is a great producer decides to drop his first compilation mixtape featuring his production. I met him through my big homie Elus, since he produced on his album The Process, as well as the classic On With The Show Volume 3. I heard a few joints off this mixtape, and the homie CG is on his job. Need I say more? CG just turned 21 yesterday, and to celebrate, he dropped this mixtape. If you dont know about CG, you will soon...
Download: Certified Genius Volume 1 Mixtape
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Saturday, April 17, 2010
Tech Time
For most of you that actually know me, you know that I am constantly in the know with gadgets and technology. I love computers and gadgets that make it easier to do daily tasks I do. So here is what I have seen in the past few days that I need to put you guys on to:
1. iPhone 4G:
Now, I am an avid BlackBerry user, but for all the touch-screen fanatics, this is looking like the phone to get. Its trying to compete with the blackberry with details of multitasking and switching apps (similar to when you hold the menu button on the bb), as well as having better organization. You can put your apps into one folder instead of just dragging and dropping between pages on the iPhone. They basically made it a phone not just for fashion or showing off anymore. It can compete with the blackberry phones and the android powered os phones.
Confirmed features:
* Multitasking.
* Spell check (like on the iPad).
* Bluetooth keyboard support (again, on the iPad).
* User-defined wallpaper (a jailbreak favorite).
* Tap to focus when recording video, just like with photos, and a 5x digital zoom for the camera.
* Playlist creation and nested playlists.
* App folders for sorting apps! You can even put an app folder in the dock.
* Enhanced Mail! You can have a merged inbox view, switch between inboxes quickly, and sync to more than one Exchange account. There’s also threaded messaging (at last!) and in-app attachment viewing.
* iBooks, just like on iPad, only smaller. You can wirelessly sync books between platforms, a la Kindle.
* Enterprise features, including remote device management and wireless app distribution.
* Game Center. It’s like Xbox Live, but for iPhone games. Includes achievements, leaderboards, and match making. It will be available as a “developer preview,” and out for regular users later this year.
Pictures:
2. The Sidekick's Upgrade
Now as you all know, the T-Mobile sidekick is dead. T-Mobile has stopped pushing the phones. Ever since Microsoft brought the company, it has gone downhill. However, the real reason Microsoft brought it was because of the mobile backup. Me being a sidekick user for years loved the fact when I upgraded, all I had to do was login to the new sidekick and everything came back. Thats why Microsoft paid $500 million dollars for the company.
The sidekick upgrade is the Microsoft Kin. It sucks. They tried to keep the essence of the sidekick, but it isn't cutting it. People like the sidekick for the body it had. And the fact it didnt look like every other phone. This phone looks like the MotoBlur. For the teenagers maybe, but for adults and business people no. I can see high school kids with Verizon (Microsoft is only releasing this on Verizon) getting an upgrade from those LG flip phones, but no one is going to go crazy over the phone. It has Windows Mobile 7, Zune syncing, and Microsoft is keeping VERY QUIET on actual specs.
There are two versions of the phone. One looks like a Palm Pre, and the other looks like a MotoBlur clone. The Palm Pre look alike has 4gb of storage, while the MotoBlur clone has 8gb of storage. Still not interested unfortunately. Im good with my BlackBerry 9700. As you know with Microsoft, full specs will not be released until right about a month before the phone has a release date.
Pictures:
3. PS3 In 3D?
With the new 3D TV craze, it seems Sony is going full speed ahead, already planning to release 3D video games. While this is nothing new to video-game heads (Sega Master System had a few 3D titles), to all the young kids who never had the privilege of blowing on cartridges this is fairly new. Unfortunately, the United States will not be having first dibs on this one (PS3 UK will be getting it first)
Here is word from my favorite PS3 website (http://ps3.qj.net):
The first wave of 3D titles for the PS3 will launch in June, Sony UK has announced. They're not totally new, but you do get them for free if you buy their HX803 3D TV (and if you happen to live in Europe).
The HX803 will come with a download voucher for four 3D-capable games: Wipeout HD, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, PAIN, and Super Stardust HD. Before you can enjoy these games in 3D, though, you'll have to wait for a PS3 firmware update that's supposed to come out in June as well.
3D glasses are also a separate purchase as they apparently don't come with the HX803. The KDL-LX903 comes bundled with a pair, but its launch date is a bit later.
So in other words, you need to spend more money to get this. Your regular CRT TV will not be playing 3D games.
4. This is how you know your device you want to sell is official: if they make a knockoff right after it comes out.
As you know, if something is hot in the US, there is usually a knockoff coming real soon. (MP4 players that look like iPods, fake PSP's with the fake tetris game, etc.)
Already they have a bootleg iPad.
Here is the news from Engadget's website:
Supposedly, the tablet will sell for as little as 900 Chinese yuan (or about $130), which will get you a 7-inch touchscreen, a 600MHz Rockchip RK2808 processor (which could possibly be upgraded to a Cortex-A8 before launch), Android 1.5 for an OS, an SD card slot for storage, built-in WiFi, and a promised five hours of battery life. What's more, while it is slightly thicker than an iPad, it apparently weighs just 0.7 pounds, or about half as much as the iPad, and it boasts a few advantages of its own, in a front-facing camera and a USB port.
Bootleg Blackberry:
Yes. There is a bootleg BlackBerry. Its called the BlueBerry.
That is all for this post. I will be doing this more often....
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Wednesday, April 14, 2010
So I Was Thinking...
So I was thinking, some people ask: why don't we see Kwan Lee perform much? Honestly I can't answer the question the way I really want to, but it is cool that people are actually diggin my music and would ask that question.
Truth is, the question has been asked and implied. Why didn't you perform here, or perform there? I wish I could answer it correctly. Really wish I could. But I am realizing that I am a brand now whether I like it or not, so I have to express myself in a less anger driven manner.
I am upset though, however. I put in a lot of work, and its like ok kwan, hold the rap. And I'm better than a lot of my peers. I can comfortably say that. I produced my entire "mixtape" by myself. I shoot all my videos. I do practically everything with no management or team that pushes me. But they still say kwan, hold the rap. It definitely angers the hell out of me. I can't even lie about it.
I bet you though, if a great situation came my way, a whole lot of those same people, who I know, didn't necessarily like the fact I rap, would be rolling out red carpets for me. I've seen it happen already. Right in my face. To some of my peers.
At this point, I start to care less and less about nyc as far as love and support. Even from people close to me. The out of town love is crazy. Well to me at least. I'm not some big mega star, but for people in other states to hear my music and give me props is cool. There's too much stupidity and politics in nyc. Too much foolishness, selfishness, and self-centeredness. And I'm leaving it at that.
In the words of Kanye: Why won't they let me be great?
Peace.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
I OFFICIALY RELAUNCHED MY WEBSITE
Ok, so I have been playing around with the redesign of this website and I am pleased to say I am finished. Im going to keep it plain and simple so HTML I am sticking with. Flash websites are cool, but that cuts out people who check my website on their phones.... To "celebrate" this relaunch, im just going to put a video up:
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M. Reck at RS Radio Interview Part. 1
Shoutout to M. Reck for letting me come through to shoot footage and Valentine for letting me put it out. I appreciate it... Shoutout to http://www.forbezdvd.com and http://www.vladtv.com for putting it out... All I have to say is WOWWWW
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@darqbxkid @youngbugz @cortez_hsp @nuborndoa @ounp123 Freestyle
Shoutout to Karteezey (3A Films) for catching this footage outside of Don Hills a while back...
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Kwan Lee TV In 1080K Preview.
Just a demo of what is to come soon...
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Saturday, April 10, 2010
New Dru The Monster Record
If you're on twitter, follow Dru at http://www.twitter.com/druthemonster
Download: http://omg.ly/ixg Kinda Crazy
Friday, April 9, 2010
In 8 Days, This Mixtape Will Drop
Sign My Check Radio live Saturdays from 6-8pm EST on http://www.signmycheck.com (Cali 3-5pm, Chicago 5-7)
If you didn't download volume 1, download it here: 109 Download Sign My Check Radio March Madness Mixtape http://usershare.net/13iis1zygrq0
The Kwan Nation Mixtape
A lot of people were confused about the cover but the concept is spring training meaning you're getting ready for the summer. Getting fit, staying in shape, or just being ready for having fun! I know we are going to have fun this summer making good music....
Download: http://bit.ly/aid35p Kwan Nation Spring Nation Mixtape
New Layout Coming Soon..
Im starting to realize that this website is getting attention.... So i'm going to be making it a bit better. You will see... This is a test to see if the post to twitter and things are working. This is a start...
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The First Single Off TPVKL Is.....
Download: http://bit.ly/9KYBPo Sittin In The Lobby
Friday, April 2, 2010
Why I Need A Manager....
Ok, so even though I do everything for my career practically myself, I need a manager. Why? Because having a manager makes me look more professional and is a connection to actually get further than I am now. I played around with the idea, but I'm looking around me now and I need one. All my peers who suceed have management. Even the ones who's music is not as dope as mine. Although I am the man with no machine, a manager makes the puzzle more complete.
If I had a manager, I'd still be hands-on with everything, but I'd be able to get a lot more done as far as the artist side. A LOT MORE. I'd be right there with some of my peers. It looks better when a manager sends music and takes care of booking and stuff instead of the artist. I know. I have a radio show as well lol.
But in all seriousness, I need a manager. Its not even a want anymore. And I want a manager who's looking out for my best interest. So I've came up with five reasons why I need a manager.
1. I need to get radio interviews. The real ones.
2. I need to be recognized more for the work I've put in.
3. I need to rock more shows. I've been off the open mic circuit for a while, but with everything else I do, me performing is a rarity.... (Wonder why.....)
4. I need a barganing tool when it comes to some things. The words talk to my manager can go a long way.
5. It can open more doors than I can open by my self.
Now: 5 reasons I would be a great person to manage.
1. I do everything myself.
2. I take initiative.
3. I don't have an image to uphold because I am myself.
4. You won't have to invest money into me because I invest my time and money into myself more than anything.
5. I make great music (rapping or producing)
Honestly though, management is that next step for me, but before I take that next step I have to make sure it is the right direction. I can't have a manager that has an album coming out or 30 people they manage other than me. I need results. And am willing to put my work in to get to them. We will see what the future brings.
Until then, I will be the man with no machine....
Ok, So I Re-Released TPVKL
Ok. So I re-released The People Vs. Kwan Lee with bonus material. It has downloads, but I just wanted to do a favor for the people who actually support my music and support me making music. A small token of appreciation. Here is the rundown:
TPVKL Bonus Material:
TPVKL Commercial
Unstoppable Music Video
Kwan Lee Performing Be Yourself
Kwan Lee Performing Drug Game Dead
Tracklisting:
1. Intro 00:49
2. Me Against The World 02:53
3. Unstoppable 04:20
4. When The Smoke Clears (feat. Mala Reignz & Elus) 04:16
5. Be Yourself 03:53
6. Do The Bobby Brown (feat. Mala Reignz) 03:12
7. Can U Feel It (feat. Spits Da Dawn & D Dave) 03:43
8. Storytelling (feat. 3rd Degry & Pete Colon) 03:32
9. Radio Bullshit Remix (feat. Key & Meek) 03:58
10. What Im Bout (feat. Key & Rover) 03:28
11. Drug Game Dead (feat. Dollarz) 03:22
12. My Pain 04:17
13. No One There 03:54
14. You Would Think 03:49
15. I Have Some Problems (feat. Mz LaLa & G3MZ) 03:37
16. No Greater Love 04:00
17. Livin Our Dream (feat. Mala Reignz, Miss Michelle & Elus) 03:49
18. My Life Is A Nightmare 03:42
19. Outro 00:22
Download: The People Vs. Kwan Lee (Re-Released Edition)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
I'm Goint To Be Out Of Commision For A While
So yesterday I got my surgery done on my shoulder. I don't know how long I'm gonna be out of commison for. They said only for a week or two. But all the best things to catch on camera are in a week or two! My health comes first though. I was anticipating this would be happening so expect more videos from me... I saved them up for a rainy day like this....
@adthegeneral Elegant Hoodnes March 28th Trailer
Trailer for March 28th Elegant Hoodness Showcase
To get into the showcase for April 25th, Please Contact:
A.D THE GENERAL 718-415-6610
http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ADTHEGENERAL
http://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ADTHEGENERAL
http://www.TWITTER.COM/ADTHEGENERAL
MS FEFE 347-285-1377
http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MSFEFE
http://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ADTHEGENERAL
http://WWW.TWITTER.COM/MSFEFENAB
KWAN LEE 347-249-6239
http://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/KWANLEE347
http://WWW.TWITTER.COM/KWANLEE
kwanlee347@gmail.com
SPECIAL GIFT 347-479-7300
http://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SPECIALGIFTNAB
http://WWW.TWITTER.COM/SPECIALGIFTNAB
http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NABMAMIS
http://www.TWITTER.COM/MZREALNAB
http://TWITTER.COM/MZ_LALA_NAB
MZ REAL 646-419-9198
MZ LALA 347-263-5916
G3MZ 347-285-1286
http://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/G3MZNAN
http://WWW.TWITTER.COM/G3MZ718
RULES & REGULATIONS
3 JUDGES WILL JUDGE ARTISTS BASED ON 4 CATEGORIES
(THE GOAL PER SONG IS A PERFECT 40)
EXAMPLE-
JUDGE- A
LYRICS HOOK TRACK OVERALL PERFROMANCE
SONG 1 10 10 10 10 40
LYRICS, HOOK, TRACK & OVERALL PERFORMANCE-
TOTAL
RAPPER A- SONG2 10 10 10 10 40
OVER ALL TOTAL FOR 2 SONG SET EQUAL'S 80 POINTS =KEEP IN MIND WE WILL HAVE 3 JUDGES
80 X 3= A MAXIMUM OF 240 POINTS
ALL ARTISTS WILL PERFORM 2 SONGS
NO GANG RELATED BANDANNAS OR BEADS ALLOWED
NO 16'S BEFORE OR AFTER
(5 POINT DEDUCTION PER SONG)
ORIGINAL TRACKS (NO INDUSTRY BEATS)
(5 POINT DEDUCTION PER SONG IF THE TRACK ISN'T AN ORIGINAL)
PROFESSIONALISM WILL BE A MUST- NO DISRESPECT TO OTHER ARTIST & OR JUDGES WILL BE ALLOWED-THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION
IF YOU LEAVE BEFORE THE JUDGES ANNOUNCEMENT AND YOU PLACE
-THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION
JOIN OUR WEBSITE
http://eleganthoodness.ning.com