If I Ruled The World

Imagine that...

#1: Wiz Khalifa- Kush and OJ

Strengths: Lyricism, Musical Selection, Delivery, Charisma

**The most complete all-around piece of work this year.

Yeah Bitch-

-League

#2: Lil' Wayne- No Ceilings

Strengths: Delivery, Punch Lines, Lyricism, Charisma

Yerp

-League

In Her Eyes

The pain of a woman lies in her eyes
You can peak through those windows of disguise
Facets of personalities in squints and cries
Blank stares of expressionless hope incise
Cuts deep to your core, your comprehension’s apprised
But will never fathom its entirety as you chastise
Belittle my mood, and blame it on all that you can see apply
But you fail to see me
Just look a bit more deeply
The strength of a woman rests in her eyes
You can focus on her soul if your mind can comprise
Collect her hardships and ability to prevail and surprise
The muscles in her heart will pump longer than those in her thighs
If you take the time to see that then you can fathom her wise
All of what you need to maintain she can provide
Every plan you ever formulate she will implement and devise
But you fail to put the effort in completely
Just look a bit more deeply
The love of a woman beats in her eyes
You can envision her heart if you can avoid to deny
Embellish yourself in being an ally
Intent is more than welcome to being revised
Eye will not hide
I will not hide
Embracing you with parting lashes
Pupils console and constrict me from flight
Wide shut in the same glance, self-protection from your possible defy
Please refrain yourself from telling them lies
Because tears form warm but fall like ice
And shatter the bond, destroying all ties
Then we die
Then we die
But you fail to see me
Just look a bit more deeply
Yours Truly.

#3: Jay Electronica- Victory

Strengths: Lyricism, Delivery, Content, Message, Theme

BOOM

-League

#4: Dom Kennedy- From the Westside with love

Strengths: Message, Delivery, Wordplay, Musical Selection

Your Welcome

-League

WE BLOG FOR LOVE DOC. PT. 1

This is IVL status for two reasons.

1. Dope Black Artists. My homegirl Rebecca Lee is an amazing artist. Whether it is video, photography, and/or new media art, she is on top of her game and is driven with fresh and dope ideas. Here is a concept she came up with by herself, raised money by herself, and went on the road and made it happen by herself, and saw her vision through. The premise is relevant, and I couldn't be more envious (lol not really) that I didn't think of it first. But overall, it is relevant to document us Generation Y kids and how we now communicate through BLOGGING. So she is DOPE. click and check her blog out.
2. She used music of mine in the documentary and I was completely up for it. I appreciate her reaching out taking a liking to my music because once I found out about her project I was so down to be apart of it.

SO ALL OF THIS IS LEAGUE. CHECK OUT PT. 2 HERE

#5: Big Krit- Krit Wuz Here

Strengths: Concept, Lyricism, Delivery, Message

Download link HERE.

-League

#6: Wale- More About Nothing

Strengths: Wordplay, Theme, Delivery

Download HERE.

-League

#7: Smoke DZA- George Kush Da Button

Strengths: Lyricism, Delivery, Charisma

Download HERE.

-League

#8: Curren$y- Smokey Robinson

Strengths: Style, Wordplay, Musical Selection

Download HERE.

-League

#9: Lupe Fiasco- Enemy of the State

Strengths: Lyricism, Delivery, Content, Message

Click HERE to download.

-League

#10: Tabi Bonney- A Place Called Stardom

Strengths: Originality, Delivery, Message

Click HERE to Download.

-League

Top 10

What's good though?!

I don't know about you, but as of late, I have been anxious for new music. And although there is a lot out there right now, my taste in the dope shit has shifted. Looking back on the year, and my Ipod (the 5th one in 2 years...), I do appreciate the work that some artist have provided. There have been a few incredible mix tapes that should have been albums... actually, more than a few. When analyzing the progression of this game (music), you can hear the direction that the art is headed. Last years best work speaks volumes to an uprising of the underground. There are some cold MC's out there, and it is only a matter of time. If you don't catch up, your going to miss it...so, I wanted to help you out.

We have compiled a list of the top ten mix tapes of the last year, and decided to share. Over the next week, all of these top ten tapes will be available for download here. Check out the list, let me know what you think.

10: Tabi Bonney - A Place Called Stardom
09: Lupe Fiasco - Enemy of the State
08: Curren$y - Smokey Robinson
07: Smoke DZA - George Kush the Button
06: Wale - More About Nothing
05: Big Krit - Krit Wuz Here
04: Dom Kennedy - From the Westside with Love
03: Jay Electronica - Victory
02: Lil' Wayne - No Ceilings
01: Wiz Khalifa - Kush and Orange Juice

The links will be up directly....all of them.

Oh yeah, I apologize for the hiatus...but I promise it was for good reason. We're MOVING! But, that's all I am going to say about us for now haha. Lets get it-

-League

Beautiful Accident

Devastating agony
Gorgeous tragedy
Embodiment of mistake
Manufactured perfectly
Certainly
The most flawless flaw of humanity
Gracefully clumsy
Exotic error
Erased terror
Sudden expectancy
Stumbled upon your beauty
Tripped over reality
Fell headfirst into complex simplicity
Indulged in the love of you
Bent symmetrically
The calm of hectic scenes
A face of heaven’s deeds
Touch of hell’s heat
Formed from a broken home’s mending seams
Reap of what they sowed into a pleasantly intact body
Molded into a person avoiding fallacy
Adequately, a man that makes no absolute sense
His source is contradiction
His soul is God sent
He will be eternally
My beautiful accident

*When music is made it isn't always purposeful...sometimes you stumble upon a verse or instrument that just seems to fit with the compilation and make a hit. It's kind of like love. Sometimes you stumble upon a soulmate by accident, and the union is God's purpose.*

WE DON'T NEED THEM. IT'S A MARATHON. IVL THAT

Oakland

My bad. Been on hiatus-marinating, if you will.

"Catch Me"

Yo!! Waddup...As we continue putting the finishing touches on my "2 Busy Dreamin'" project, I wanted to give you the first song off the mixtape entitled "Catch Me." If you haven't seen the movie "Catch Me If You Can" it may be a good idea to do that right now. Besides the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio is a good actor (my opinion, other Ivey Leaguers may feel differently haha), it's the thrill of this ride we call life that keeps me going. My bucket list is literally overflowing...On another note, I could never get tired of these airports and flights I've been on to this point. Who knows...the next plane might arrive at the top floor...Until then, hit the link and checkout "Catch Me." -- peace...

Catch Me by TreDeJean

"Catch Me If You Can"

After a trip to Dallas to continue work on the upcoming project "2 Busy Dreamin" I am able to give you this short trailer for "Catch Me," which will be on the mixtape. Hope all is well with everyone....Enjoy these visuals..peeaace...

This is a good interview for these reasons:


He's honest. He knows his lane and will never veer from the track.


He's true to his form. Spitta does nothing but what Spitta thinks is cool. Not trying to conform but able to be comfortable in his own skin.


He's high. This is just the comedic aspect, but I'm all for it.


This IVLifestyle is both creator and fan, fan and creator. We are inspired by those who are inspired; that's a human trait. But it is in our creation, rather than consumption, in which we decide to separate ourselves from the masses. Creating is much more difficult because it involves unknown risks, while anybody can buy a video game, watch a movie, and go to a restaurant with minimal risk involved.


Point is Spitta is a part of that creativity. He has his own thing. IVLife is a of that creativity. WE take risks in order to take more risks. Creation is never rooted in complacency.


IVL that

"1-0"

So, I have been on the this side (California) for two months now, and I honestly don't know where to begin. Thus far, this experience has had more lows and highs than I can express, but I will do my best.

When I initially touched down, my perspective on my decision was completely positive. I had no doubt that moving across town was the right thing for me. Why? Because, being in my position, I felt that any doubt that crossed my mind would only cloud my ability to make decisions while moving forward. Basically, being scared wasn't an option. So I did it...and I didn't look back for a second. And now, two months removed, I must admit, I didn't expect so much so fast...to the point that my perspective on this journey has transformed. I learn something new everyday. Here are a couple lessons I'd like to share:

First and foremost; things change when you make them. Before I left, I wasn't happy. I wanted something different for myself. I had dreams and aspirations that were impossible to reach in my environment. So, I moved...and now, I experience change every day. My mind has changed. My friends have changed. My family has grown, etc. The key is, my dream has not budged. Don't get me wrong, this shit IS NOT easy! It's work...a lot of work. And at times, I have had to remind myself that struggle is expected. My mom used to say, "Don't think things are going to be easy. Nobody owes you anything. Expect it to be hard, so that you are always on top." These days, those words are real to me. I have struggled in ways that I will never expose, but I have also laughed in rooms alone. Therefore, I believe these changes, no matter how low or high, are preparation for a next step.

One of my boys told me that his goal everyday is to finish "1-0". That concept stuck with me so strong, that when I began experiencing all of the changes in my life, I adopted my own motto. Now, with every hurdle I overcome, no matter how minor the accomplishment is, I mark it: "today down, tomorrow to go".

I have no idea what will happen tomorrow, so I plan on winning today, then tomorrow, everyday, until I am satisfied.

PS: My eyes are wider than ever...

-League

2 Busy Dreamin'

Lets get it.

Zel, thanks for the promo work. Oh, and soon they'll understand you bru...trust.

Tre...2BD, lets gooo!

-League

Regrets (Love Lost)

Search warrants fill our vacant room
Gone too soon
I yearn for proof
Evidence that you still exist in this gloom
Ill from missing you while you’re immune
Seasons pass as I can’t decipher December from June
All simultaneous in this dark with no moon
Your shine is extinct and my heart is doomed
Hell on earth couldn’t compare to my tragedy
Sacrifice my body in this war as a casualty
Suffered on the carpet as tears penetrated in the rugs that speak
To the walls that scream back at them like a banshee
Missing person’s reports couldn’t bring you back to me
And can’t you see my mouth as it pours and bleeds
The bite marks on my tongue from my delayed speech
The words that were held captive in my second guessing
Entrapped arms that longed to be free to reach
Out to intertwine with yours amongst this breach
Please
I’m exhausted with this game of hide and seek
Ignorantly lost you in my memory
Left to love you through these regrets I keep

Listen Up

Silence isn't understood until it is broken. I break silence. I rant. I riot. I beat drums so violent that you have no choice but to feel my rumble. Now watch me bubble...because when that timer sounds, my silence will never be heard again.

-League

Life Lessons 101: Ivey League Lifestyle

Before our vision was complete with the endeavours and goals we wanted to accomplish through our artistic efforts, and creative drive -- "Ivey League" was just a term used to describe our educational backgrounds. Through growth as a team, and collective unit, it has become more of a lifestyle. As youth, we spend a decent amount of time in classrooms learning things we are "supposed" to learn, for success in life. One thing I have found sitting in between those 4 walls with sounds of screeching chalk, and at times, seemingly pointless lectures is that there is much more to be explored, and educated upon in our days.

I would like to introduce J.Foss (pictured above with me @ the studio during a day of recording for 2 Busy Dreamin'), who throughout our friendship has never ceased to lend a helping hand to others, as well as share experiences and perspective on life's happenings. From how to defend yourself when attacked by a bear or mountain lion (haha actually great info Foss that could one day save my life being the adventurer I am), to lessons about having confidence in ourselves and having an open mind to learn about something we wouldn't in a classroom, amongst much more...life is more than the good grade you got in your favorite subject, and there is a lesson to be learned every single day. I encourage all you league-sters to keep your ears and eyes open to everything going on around you even when it seems there is no educational gain...Even the homeless guy on the corner has a lesson for you...How do you think he got there in the first place? -- Life's Lessons 101...who's signing up...

"The man that knows something knows that he knows nothing at all" -- Erykah Badu

"It was all a dream"...Until I woke up.

Dear dreamers,

A dream is nothing but a mere image of what reality could be without labor implemented...you have to work for its' attained existence. I began this summer with a list of goals to attain. I knew what I wanted out of it and ended up receiving way more than I expected. I was introduced to you as a poet. I refrained from posting anything personal onto the blog for a chance to have you read my poetry without any form of bias or relation to the person I am. Well, to be honest with you my life is somewhat chaotic. It's a compilation of four seperate lives and I'm still trying to find ways to maintain my sanity amidst this overwhelming abundance of responsibility. I'm a songwriter and singer who has just recently signed with Sesac for publishing and songwriting credits, recently hired by "Supreme Magazine" and it's sub-par "Hip Hop 365" as an interviewer/host/writer, began my last semester of nursing school for my second degree, i'm putting together my book of poetry, and just became a new member of the Ivey League in one summer. I went from listening to illmatic (my favorite hip hop album of all time) since as far back as I can remember, to having my first official interview for the magazine with Nas this past month. I am a prime example of how life gives you opportunities and struggles simultaneously. There will be days that seem unbearable and days that are pleasantly surreal. Through it all, we will prevail. God didn't make us weak, we make ourselves that way by allowing ourselves to believe in incapabilities. As long as we recognize that, we can recognize that our capabilities are limitless. The key: Dream->Work->Live without regret->Happiness. Stay true to yourself. Amongst all this chaos...I'm the happiest I have ever been in my life and I'm ecstatic about sharing the progress with you sporadically. Until then, I'll continue with the poetry.

Love always,
Sonya

Flip A Coin

How many ways can one tell a story?





How many people live here again?
(Do you! I promise you'll like it. )

DMV, Stand Up.

-League

Classic

Be You. Be Great.

-League

The 90's: The Golden Age of Black Entertainment

Last night as I re-watched Love Jones for the millionth time, I had an epiphany. The 90's was the best time to be black and be in entertainment. And at first my mind wanted to separate the decade between early 90's and late but in general the 90's were just a GREAT time to be young, black, and talented.

I feel that my generation (20ish - 29ish give or take), us 80's babies, grew up in a time where entertainment was awesome for us ppl of color. I remember New Jack Swing, listening to my aunt's tapes of Guy and Mary J., having my mother show me the movie New Jack City, and tell me it's real out here (true story lol). I remember Gerald Levert's (RIP) song Cassanova. I remember Thursday night on fox when it went Martin, Living Single, and New York Undercover. And I had to sneak and finish NY undercover because bed time was at 9. I remember NEVER missing A Different World and if I did my Grammy taped them. I remember some of the older kids at my church with their walkmans playing Aaliyah Back and Forth. I remember wanting to go to a Teen Summit show. Rap City. Planet Groove with Rachel's fine ass. I remember the show Thea and a young ass Brandy. Speaking of... Moesha, Q, and Hakim. I used to not be able to listen to Red Light Special, R. Kelly's 12 Play, and Jodeci's Diary of a Mad Band. Dre. Snoop. Biggie. Pac. Cube. Nas. Jay. Movie wise there's Boyz in the Hood, Juice, House Party(s), Boomerang, Harlem Nights, Strictly Bizness, Livin Large, Class Act, Waiting to Exhale, Poetic Justice, Mo Betta Blues, He Got Game, Trespass, Sixth Sense...

I mean I could really go on forever. But I won't. The point is this is a time where black entertainment and black art were both budding. Creatively there was more control and the content in general was awesome. The 90's is also the time where Black entertainment's rise to financial power came to be. Pre-downloading and free mixtapes, everyone was really making money and I think that is where it got lost. The commodity that is now "Urban Music" is spoon fed to the masses. And Northerners wanted to blame the South for it. Don't do it. Because when NY cats like Nas (not singling him out but...) really got that money and made those poppy tunes, cats like 8ball and MJG, UGK, Outkast, Scarface, Goodie Mob were making quality music. Rap-A-Lot Records was on some classic hip-hop shit.

R&B as a genre, presently, has even faded. The 90's is R&B. The genre evolved creating sub-genre's like Neo-Soul, like a Prince-esque Funk that people like Lucy Pearl and Meshell Ndegeocello embodied, like a crossover R&B that was distinctly R&B which post Tommy Matolla (sp?) Mariah Carey embodied.

Now this bama Neyo and this bama Usher put out pop singles and "urban" singles. Some say the game has evolved, but I say these bamas coppin out. Usher came up in the 90's. Go listen to his 1st and 2nd CD and then listen to that shit of an album Raymond v. Raymond and tell me where is the focus musically? Think about Confessions and you tell me the popish single on that album. There ain't one. Same with Neyo pop single and "urban" single. I will give it to Trey. He gets a pass for consistently trying to make "good" R&B music. And the ladies singing that same tired ass relationship ass shit. I need a little more tact from my ladies. It's like once Keyshia Cole blew up everyone wanted to run with the hood-esque look and feel. But the thing is, as we saw on the now terrible BET, that's how Keyshia is. All these new female singers are fitting a mold. The hood/Nikki Minaj mold. Colorful and glittery hair, super long and super bad tracks. It's sad it's being recycled. I even blame Beyonce a tad, just for the tracks lls, but she stayed R&B. To be honest other than Mariah's Emancipation of MiMi, which is a modern day classic, I think Teedra Moses' Complex Simplicity is right behind Mariah as modern day classic R&B.

And movies... Soul fucking Plane. Just the fact that it got made is a problem. Like someone read the script and said "Yes. Let's do this." That's rough. I aint gonna lie I laughed when I first saw it, which was for free. But it is inexcusable. A movie like that can never be made again. I could go on to the lack of good content on television and the big screen and the stage provided to us by Tyler Perry studios but that's old news. I think that's a readily accepted fact.

I'm calling on my generation to be the creators. As you can see in music, there is a slow resurgence of that grassroots movement in hip-hop. You can see it starting to build and take form. You can also see it starting to be compromised by the powers that be (ex. Wiz's Black and Yellow sub-par). But it needs to happen not only in music, but in film (which I promise to do my part), all aspects of art, photography, writing, etc. etc. The biggest lie is that we are in a post racial society. By now we know that that is not true (Qu'ran Burnings, Oscar Grant, SB 1070). We need to be the designers and the re-designers. We now have the power and the potential to change the way art is viewed for generations to come. By 2110, if ppl ever make it to that, who's gonna give a flying fuck about the Mona Lisa? Technology will have us so far removed from things of that "classical" nature that it will almost be pointless. It will be like learning Latin (which I did NLE cum laude award fool) good to know but fuckin pointless in the bigger picture. Be the creators. Be the chance takers and create from an authentic place. Because it is authenticity, which was ever so prevalent in 90's, not as much now, that will last.

An you can IVL that...

"Time Now"

When I first left home, in an attempt to show and prove the world the man I'd eventually become...personal cares, issues, and worries were the only thing that drove my everyday thoughts...

After a long talk with my older brother, then my nephew immediately after...one thought stood out amongst the others...

It's MY TIME, to take care of MY FAMILY...and with my back against the wall a decision was made...Big S/O to the homie Zel for the production on this one...Waddup to the League...hit the download link below for "Time Now

~~http://soundcloud.com/tredejean/time-now

And It Begins...

Long Days | Late Nights

I don't know about the rest of you, but when I take off from a long work day or a late club night, I need to hear something that allows me to relax AND rock out at the same time. Difficult to accomplish? Yes, but not impossible...

To Download, click here -----> Long Days | Late Nights

I'll give you 40 minutes to get home. Tell me you don't feel a little better already...

League-

Raw

Creative Control is always a good look. If you have not checked them out yet, your missing out. Click HERE to agree.

Over and out-

Rock The Bells

Good Times. Great Inspiration. J Man, what's good playboy. Phife Diggy, great look homie. You killed everything!

IVL-

Dying to Live

Time waits for no man / Time is money / Life is short / Tomorrow is not promised / Lost time is never found again / Time discovers truth / We say we waste time, but thats impossible. We waste ourselves / You may delay, but time will not...

P.S.A : Live your life to the fullest EVERYDAY...I know I am.

"To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent"

Sonya; the piece was dope. Thanks for sharing-

League

Grindin' "Hella" Hard (pause)

Okay. I needed some time to soak this in. After multiple layovers, early mornings, late nights, reality checks, and taco trucks, I am back. BTW, it is AMAZING what can happen in such a short amount of time...Leaguesters...I'm excited. Lets get it. -

I Can See Myself Shining!!

Whether you're a lawyer, doctor, or student...or perhaps you're an athlete, singer, or just a full time dreamer, and haven't made it to that stage in life you want to be on yet...Times when it seems you may never make it there, when the days and nights become long, and you feel all hope is gone...No matter what you get up for every morning, and what the situation may be now, take a second to look in the mirror and tell yourself...

"I CAN SEE MYSELF SHININ!!"

Download my song "Shinin" on the link below produced by the young I.V.L.ifer Zel
~~ http://soundcloud.com/tredejean/shinin#2%2Fu3bflaeS8aRaCKo9bpbgRRakkMVPUIMWFlPEMDHD7JU

~~Tre DeJean "2 Busy Dreamin"

Leaps and Bounds

I moved to California today...


-League

Pace of a Woman

Patience woman patience
Your system needs pacing
Count his efforts
If easily accessible he rids you of your innocence
Walk into love with him
Falling can break your limbs
The impact will never be the same again
Left deserted kissing cement
All because you tripped off of infatuation
Misconceptions
Resurrections of highlighted moments
Rekindle past feelings
Attempts to fill voids as you’re reeling
And reeling
And reeling
Only to reveal you’ve been hooked to nothing
The substance unexplored
The hope exists no more
Emptiness at core
Obsessed with what it could have endured
Lost sight of what it truly was
Ignored reality to adore a mere mirage
Massage concepts of my feet planted back on the floor
Head high to meet you eye to eye
Windows of the soul you wiped
I blame you but deep inside
It was I
Vulnerable woman
Desired and fantasized this life
Believed who I made you to be rather than who you presented to me
Disregarded what I did not want to see
Crazy?
Advertently optimistic?
Emotional wreck?
Lack of self-respect?
If I give him sex will he become attached?
Will it terminate what we managed?
Will it change the dynamics?
Help me understand this
Strain myself to give effortlessly
All to make him labor for a piece of me
Both intentions are formed by ourselves in the beginning
The remaining encounters are tests to give these expectations validity
Prove my sanity
Prove me right.

Glitter Ain't Gold

Caught up in the "C.R.E.A.M." state of mind, I found myself on a money sprint, and couldn't wait to get out of the blocks. Seems like I jumped out on a false start before I even knew what the race was truly about. Needless to say, I'm sure we've all heard "the grass isn't always greener on the other side." Guess what -- it's true. Without saying too much...people always ask me about my situation and, at times, it can be a little difficult expressing how I feel about the decisions I've made in life that have brought me to the circumstance I'm now experiencing--life. So for those who have inquired, and departed the conversation wondering what's really going on......well

"Every single thing you see that glitter ain't gold...so stay loyal..."

Download link to "Gold"

http://limelinx.com/files/4b2987f32bd6d0525430b67ac36150e6

~~2 Busy Dreamin'

I Love Two

I love too
I love two
This triangle of tainted truths
A dynasty standing on broken ground
Excuse these deeds with my youth
You both know different sides of me
And I know you both like the back of my hand
It is not a matter of woman and man
But of woman and men
I orchestrate this sin
But who designates that’s what this is
If love is a subjective emotion
And evil has no involvement
Then riddle me this?
It is merely expressions
There is no harm in their ignorance
There is no guilt in my existence
I have whole-heartedly divided my feelings
And half of each part has sincere ownership
Time is evenly split
So where is there room for argument?
The rules never stated we are limited to one soulmate
If so, we wouldn’t fall in love on multiple occasions
Yes, there are trial and error experiments
But that defies the purpose of my justification
It’s not implemented in education
But by simple recognition of love’s limitless bound
I have found it to be fulfilling
Do not mistake this for me being selfish
Because if that was the case I would strip myself from this situation
And leave one heartless
I am not an adultress
I am not married
I am a woman in love with two men
Please realize I didn’t choose this
And the fact that it doesn’t steer my conscience into oblivion
Doesn’t necessarily mean I have bad intentions
It stumbled into my hands
And I realized I have two of them for a reason
Each held by different counterparts
Each holding different hearts
I am capable
They are both able to leave
But are not able to handle all of me
So I’m sparing their feelings
And maintaining this predicament until
Eventually
My endeavors are exposed
And I am left alone
To abide by society’s idea that we can only love one other human being unconditionally
Until then…
I love two
And they love me too.

Pluto

I have been having trouble keeping still lately. My mind is somewhere else, far, far away. Each one of the songs in this compilation speak to an issue, emotion, or idea that I am dealing with in my life right now. My motivation? I'm really about to take off!


-I am just going to keep embracing the moments.

Download Pluto Knight HERE.

I hope you enjoy-

-League

5.0

Hello Friends-

It's a celebration! The Ivey League has reached 50 posts and 5,000 views since our inception less than 3 months ago. Funny Right? Yeah, we know, but we have decided that EVERY landmark, no matter what the scale, should be celebrated.

In commemoration of THIS landmark event, we would like to honor the vision of an individual AND his friends/artists, who are currently changing the face of the industry in an amazing way.

As you know (and if you don't, don't tell anyone), the record executive, entrepenuer, and visionary Damon Dash has been in the industry for a long time. Throughout his run, he has paid a major contribution to the culture of the Hip Hop community. Because of his more recent absence in the media, it may seem to some, as though he has been out of the game, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. As always, he has been building a new empire, while more importantly, refusing to conform. He's still Dame.
Without attempting to explain his creation, if you: 1. Watch the video below; 2. Download the live BLU ROC festival tape located under the video; and while the mixtape is downloading, 3. Visit http://www.creativecontrol.tv/www/, I guarantee you will appreciate their new wave. The DD172 team is changing the game...so to Dame and the whole crew: we salute.



-Dope



Link to the BLUROC festival, live at the Brooklyn Bowl in NYC: HERE

"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens." - Carl Jung <---via Creative Control

-League

Evolution

When the homie S.b.K called me and told me that there was a clip that I'd really appreciate, he was right. I've always been intrigued by all forms of personal expression. Music, photography, etc. But one that we haven't touched on thus far is dance. When you see someones passion shine through movement, it is powerful. I am showing the following two clips in efforts to display progression, or evolution in dance. We have said it time and time again on this blog; you cannot regulate art. It comes from everywhere, and is expressed in countless ways. This is a prime example of that fact.

From "Singing in the rain", to "Dancing in the rain"...evolution.





"Art is only meant to be done at its highest form. Anything that you create from within yourself is art." -James Mtume

Oakland, stand up.

-League

Get Up, Get Out, Go Take It

Production by Zel...Throughout the journey thus far, I've consistently come to this conclusion--if you want something, you just have to go after it at all costs...the fear of not making it must be condemned, forbidden, and completely forgotten...

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure"
--Nelson Mandela

Honestly, always thought this quote sounded dope...but now I'm learning its true meaning everyday...Hit the download link for "Get Up"
http://limelinx.com/files/7336b9e2f3c08099ff1e7983738ec9a8

As Promised

I had too much music to choose from for a first time around, so instead of highlighing one artist, I made a compilation of some good stuff...I just thought this would be a better introduction.





DL link below...
http://limelinx.com/files/bb1d51a19bb4b615037b3585c3a3e022

Remember our promise...let me know...
-League

Studio Flow

So after a couple days of mass twitter marketing, we can finally bring you........."Studio Flow"

Inspired by fly times and big dreams.....Music selection brought to you from the production of the league's very own Dream Hard.

Studio Flow from Tre DeJean on Vimeo.

Frightened

I know
I know...
Men have fears too
He hasn't expressed it yet
But he's petrified of what I may do
Pulls me in to push me out
Back and forth like a fool
Battling doubts
Only committed to bickering about rejecting titles
So he calls me nothing
I am merely Sonya
His potential everything, his for now something, but his I revert to nothing so I can protect my feelings
And I protect his vanity by quietly abiding
But I know
I know...
Because once I begin to become unattached
He relentlessly panics and retaliates with mass messages
This reversal takes place during pivotal moments
I am sought out by another and his radar is sensitive
A sixth sense he has picked up through experiences
Somehow he wins me over
And the same complaints I publicly made about him?
They're curved into infinite compliments
In my head my friends will never understand this bond we break and mend
Because they will never fathom how weak he is
But I know
I know...
Fragile to love's concept
A coward at pursuing relationships
Frail with attempting to keep his options disclosed to one person
I may be that woman for him
And he knows...
He knows
But he's afraid.

I see you family...good shit! You all have something special. Shout out to my big bro Rod. Already-

League

HI

So as mentioned earlier...went to Brooklyn Bowl with G. Alexander and it was great. Have a lil vid, nothing crazy. I got bogged down with music choice so I used concert performances, which turned out to be fun to play around with.

Daydreams...

I have always had a tendency to zone out pretty often. But as of late, I have found myself day dreaming more and more. Maybe it is because I have so much going on right now. And if it's not written all over my face, I wish someone could see what I see...



Hello World-
League

Reality

Lost, I hope I find myself,
Dream chasing, Chasing dreams running outta breath with every step that I take left-

Right, left which way should I go when the fork come?

Trying to make it there before my deathbed-

Never sleeping reason I be yawning so much, arms stretched to the sky got me reaching for the stars go-

Is what them voices in my mind say,

Boy you gonna make it keep on going what my mom say-

That's what keeps me driving,

Forgive me but I'm doing it the highway-

Hollow walls, blackberry, laptop, ipod, plus its only me in my place-

Opportunity is at the door all up in my face,

And amidst the things in my way..........I can see it..

I spoke with G.Alexander earlier this week--he reminded what this was all about. For that, I'm grateful....

--Tre DeJean

Mike

We love you Mike. R.I.P.

Second To One

You’re second best
Silver medal
How could you settle?
How could you meddle?
With such a happy couple
Comfortable with interrupting their supper
His late night meetings
Excuses for her wonder
You partially own the evenings
Wake up alone to suffer
Possess nothing in the mornings
Other, than long-filled days of mourning plunder
All the while knowing
You will never possess his heart wholly
Repercussions of Manipulating the holy
Sanctity of their marriage but you’re selfish
Emotions are uncontrolled
So you take the backseat to his life as he cheats
His wife may know something but you risk it because your attention seeks
Undoubtedly
But doubt this one thing
When he says he will leave
Because the continuation of this “fling”
Has gone on for over a year yet there's a consistent lack in him committing
You are the problem behind their marriage breaking
And their baby carriage is pushed by two hands instead of four
The time adored, you long for more
So you compromise lunch breaks to turn knobs on new hotel doors
Pay the stays, left ignored
One day you checked his phone
His other half is at home
She sent a text saying it was the best sex they had right before he embarked himself in her presence
She knew she basked in her residue and scent
Completely stripped of self respect
I will never again risk my worth for a married man


From an outsider looking in...I took the perspective of a mistress in distress. I was sitting one day and just thought about scenarios I haven't written about involving situations I have never been in. More like a challenge posed to myself to see if I can write an out of body experience and have it be realistic enough to relate. Hope you enjoyed it.

We IN There

This is a follow-up to G. Alexander's post BELOW. That's us!

T.M.I.

If you know me, you know how I feel about music. And if we're close enough, I have probably put you on to something new (your welcome haha). Yesterday, MejaLOOK and I went to the Brooklyn Bowl to check out Dame Dash's new label; Blu Roc, basically introduce themselves to the world as a whole. The lineup was as follows: Camp Lo, Tabi Bonney, Rugz D. Bewler, Snakes Say Hiss, Stalley, Nesby Phips, The London Souls, Big K.R.I.T., Smoke DZA, Trademark Da Skydiver, and Curren$y. OH, and lets not forget the Sensei's; the Blu Roc in-house band that killed everything!

This concert didn't make me think music is amazing,...I already knew that. It did however, give me insight to how much better the music becomes when surrounded by individuals who appreciate it as much as I do. Then, there is nothing better.

(okay, ill get to the point)

I have decided that I've been selfish, and for that, I am sorry. Although I share my musical taste with my close friends, there are waaay more people in the world than my friends. And I'm assuming there are waaay more people who appreciate the music that I like. Why? Because the music I like is dope...duh. So, from now on, I will feature a mixtape every week, and give a review of what to look for.

Here's the kick: If I do this, and you decided to download it, you have to promise to LISTEN to it. No, you can't press play and get on the phone, or scramble through the songs to hear a familiar track, or listen to it while watching your favorite sitcom. None of that will work. You have to listen to the music for its content. If you can't, and decide it's not for you, don't worry...you weren't my type anyway haha. But for those who feel me, I promise to give my best.

-Oh yeah, and the concert was CRAZY. Thank you Dame for continuing to progress. You are providing some of the best energy I have seen in a while...you obviously still got some shit with you. (To understand what I am talking about, check out http://www.creativecontrol.tv/www/ )

And here's a very short, uncut clip from the concert...just a taste (no woah), more to come (no woah) haha:

Thanks for listening.
Sincerely,

Me

Oh...and I know I don't know everything. I am not above being "put-on". So, if you have any music for me, make my day. SEND IT PLEASE email address is located at the top of the page...

Success

I yearn for you
Often wake up in the middle of the night with cold sweats
Wish upon a star one, two, three times to hope it’s been taken into consideration
Prayed on my hands and knees until they’ve bled for you on a daily basis
Your equivalency could be close to our perception of heaven
From the day I could understand complex concepts
I’ve said I’d earn you time and time again
That I’d attain you as a whole before my last breath
My desire is not correlated with fire
My comparison is oxygen
Yes it’s an obsession
A longing to live
Without setting it on this pedestal, existence would be meaningless
“Time” is of the “essence”
At least that’s what these magazines said
The media’s ideal way to allow you to survive alone on compost from the shit people are fed
I will never conform to propaganda, But I won’t let you die, I promise
Not after I:
Bent over backwards
Shed the most humbling tears
Felt like my heart was ripped out my chest
Faced greater than half of my fears
Spent days without rest
Dedicated all of my years
Every single accomplishment
I owe it to you my dear
I’ve only had you in bits
But I search for you by the chunks and sift through this world of opportunistic mess
To redundantly find you to be “the one”
Enduring all that is left in my right mind to design a plan and move ahead
I’m getting closer to you
I can see, taste, hear, feel, and smell you…Makes perfect sense
The main thing I fight to love for is
Success

:Sonya

-The Ivey League

Sun time is Fun time

I like the summer time. Lots of things to see..More to come!

What's your favorite color?

Who hasn't been asked that question countless times? I have, and every time, I end up saying the same thing..."My favorite color is blue, but I can't put my finger on the hue...I know I can only find it in the sky on certain days though...but every time I see it, I feel good" And that was the best I could do.

I ran across this video again this morning, and realized; maybe Miles understood what I was saying...

Learn something!

Happy Monday

Til' We Can't

Too often people tend to dwell on their situation at hand, which in turn, causes them to lose focus on their overall vision. I've never wanted to be the "would of, could of, should of" type--instead, I've found myself looking forward to, and embracing unforeseen, but inevitable adversity on this trip. In my opinion, these are the things we look back upon the most when we finally reach our destination. I went on that rant to say this.....

"It's amazing the things that we've been through, when we thought making it out was something that we couldn't do, nah, never that only stood strong, now because of that we steady move on!!"

"Til We Can't" produced by fellow lifer DreamHard http://limelinx.com/files/644121604e38b0946488a5494fe59d87

To be or Not to be...

Why do people find it necessary to classify art? Who comes up with these regulations? To those people: f*** that! Art is everywhere..and you can't tell us any different. Fossington took me Oak town site seeing on some unorthodox ish. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Just one example:

Dope shit Foss. League shit.

Wake Up!

Hmmm...where to begin...

Life, in its simplest form, is the most complicated experience I have ever endured. Throughout the last year, I had been through so many ups and downs that I had no clue where to where to go, what to do, or how to change my situation. I became blinded by my condition, and in turn, lost myself...in myself. Pain and frustration caused me to become stagnant to the point that it almost consumed me.

Then, one day I woke up.

I can't tell you where the light came from, or where I was, but when I recognized "it", everything made sense. I realized that the things I was pursuing were not in my heart. And while they were socially accepted, or even highly regarded, they just weren't me. For some, that works, and I am not knocking that...but I am way too passionate about life to be unaffected by the wrong path. So, I decided to change. And here I am...still stressed, still frustrated, still experiencing life. The only difference is, I am happy.

Finally, I realize that we all go through things. There are a million bumps and bruises in this lifetime. You can't avoid every detour. You may not win every time. But when you have a vision that you are passionate about, those trials become trivial.

So this is me, honestly. And I am ready for whatever.

If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.- Andrew Carnegie

Timing is Everything

This trip has been extremely colorful thus far. I'm catching it all...dont worry. I definately have something cooking...no pun. HAHA.

Hello League-

A Memo

This is Ivey League.

So gon' envy the lifestyle

My arm is Dreamhard

Tre's socks are argyle

Both chasin time decked in Jordan shoes

And our boss is 6'8"

So he gotta good view

Of the future

So please watch us as we pace that

And as we chase time

I hope you brought bags

'Cause our eyes are to the sky

Clear view no masks

And my lil homie Zel got the soundtrack

So close your eyes and nod ya heads

And while you're on that

We are miles ahead

Plan and preparation

So the mouths are fed

Grind and dedication

That will stop when we are dead

We are

Steady livin' and shinin'

From Sunday to Sunday

Dream killers talk

We give no fucks to what a chump says

'Cause there is only one way

And that is toward the sky

They told us "pick a lane"

But we found a runway to fly...

IVL