Tupac Dear Momma Lyrics

You are appreciated

When I was a youngin' and ma mama had me

Seventeen years old kicked out on the streets

Though back at the time, I never thought I'd see her face

Ain't a woman alive that could take my mama's place

Suspended from school and scared to go home, I was a fool

With the big boys, breakin' all the rules

I shed tears with my baby sister

Over the years we was poorer than the other little kids

And even though we had different daddy's, the same drama

When things went wrong we'd blame mama

I reminisce on the stress I caused, it was hell

Huggin' on my mama from a jail cell and high school elementary?

Hey, I see the penitentiary, one day

And runnin' from the police, that's right

Mama catch me, put a whoopin' to my backside

And even as a crack theme, mama

You always was a black queen, mama

I finally understand for a woman it ain't easy

Tryin' to raise a man you always was committed

A poor single mother on welfare, tell me how ya did it

There's no way I can pay you back

But the plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated

Lady, don't cha know we love ya? Sweet lady

Dear mama, place no one above ya, sweet lady

You are appreciated, don't cha know we love ya?

Now ain't nobody tell us it was fair

No love from my daddy 'cause the coward wasn't there

He passed away and I didn't cry, cause my anger

Wouldn't let me feel for a stranger

They say I'm wrong and I'm heartless, but all along

I was lookin' for a father he was gone

I hung around with the Thugs, and even though they sold drugs

They showed a young brother love

I moved out and started really hangin'

I needed money of my own so I started shaggin'

I ain't guilty 'cause, even though I sell rocks

It feels good puttin' money in your mailbox

I love payin' rent when the rent's due

I hope ya got the diamond necklace that I sent to you

'Cause when I was low you was there for me

And never left me alone because you cared for me

And I could see you comin' home after work late

You're in the kitchen tryin' to fix us a hot plate

Ya just workin' with the scraps you was given

And mama made miracles every thanksgivin'

But now the road got rough, here alone

You're tryin' to raise two bad kids on your own

And there's no way I can pay you back

But my plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated

Lady, don't cha know we love ya? Sweet lady

And dear mama place no one above ya, sweet lady

You are appreciated, don't cha know we love ya?

Pour out some liquor and I reminisce, 'cause through the drama

I can always depend on my mama

And when it seems that I'm hopeless

You say the words that can get me back in focus

When I was sick as a little kid

To keep me happy there's no limit to the things you did

And all my childhood memories

Are full of all the sweet things you did for me

And even though I act crazy

I gotta thank the Lord that you made me

There are no words that can express how I feel

You never kept a secret, always stayed real

And I appreciate, how you raised me

And all the extra love that you gave me

I wish I could take the pain away

If you can make it through the night there's a brighter day

Everything will be alright if ya hold on

It's a struggle everyday, gotta roll on

And there's no way I can pay you back

But my plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated

Lady, don't cha know we love ya? Sweet lady

And dear mama place no one above ya, sweet lady

You are appreciated, don't cha know we love ya?

Sweet lady, and dear mama

Dear mama, lady, lady, lady

　

　

Mommy Day!

I promise! Everyday is Mommies Day, parents day really. Once you give birth to childen and raise them you'll see the beauty in it all from day one. I myself, am not reallly Big on any holidays but I would like to time shumtime out to recognize all the Queens/Kings out there doing there thing in parenthood. Salute :)

 

ARTIST Spotlight @sdotpdotdesigns

If you've never had the oppurtunity of knowing one of those creative, in there own spirits type of people I erge you to check out media designer S.Pelt! He shoots shum of the Most Rad, visuals to date. The Arkansas native, Alabama raised current NYC resident brings out the  Dopeness in creative visuals. Not only have I had the pleasure of working with him, he also took time out to anwser a few questions for me.

 
 
What exactly is it that you do?
S.Pelt:
I like to call myself a media designer. I offer design through multiple mediums of media. Ha. Also offering marketing and branding

Where are you from?

S.Pelt:
I was born in Arkansas but Alabama raised me.

How long have you been directing?

S.Pelt: 2009

Why did you decide to get into directing? Was there someone who inspired you to get into directing?

S.Pelt: I honestly got into it all out of necessity. My brother who is an artist in the Huntsville hip hop community (shouts Dizzy D) was in a group that was lacking some type of visual marketing and at the time I had an opportunity to do more to help. Around that same time I had a conversation with the manager of a well known and respected group from Huntsville and he put me on the idea of DIY (Do It Yourself). I credit that shift in thought with really putting me on the path to where I am now. Moving to New York City feed into my "drive to basket mentality" perfectly. I guess the artist came out that I didn't even know was there. Haha.

What advice do you have or what would you say to someone who wants to get into directing?

S.Pelt: Sacrifice! You're gonna have to sacrifice some of the things in life that you enjoy to be successful. Especially if you don't have any higher education in the field you're pursuing, but then that makes it all a double edge sword because why are you living if you not living?! Right? Eternal, internal struggle mane smh...

Have you ever encountered someone who had absolutely no talent? And did you have to break it to them?

S.Pelt: I guess we were all given some kinda mutant powers. So I guess it would be a matter of talented in what? I can say I enjoy working with anybody of any skill level who has a vision and is willing to work hard.

What is your philosophy on the profession of filming?

S.Pelt: Always implement what you've learned from previous projects and apply it to the next project. Growth.

What do you enjoy doing when your not working?

S.Pelt: Ha that's a loaded question! I'm always working on something! But when I do get a chance to shake loose, I live in NYC so I'm either trying to find a pretty girl or grabbing some good food.

Name shum artist you have worked with that have gone on or are becoming very successful.

S.Pelt: Luckily I've had the opportunity to work on the ground floor of a few artist careers so we'll see.

How do you come up shum of your visuals and concepts?

S.Pelt: I usually elevate and then marinate on an artist music or the profile of whomever I'm working with. I really try to create something that gives a personal connection to the client.

What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself in a year or two?

S.Pelt: I just wanna continue to build and grow as a person and professional without giving myself away. In 2 years I definitely see myself as a recognizable brand in my field and the movement.

What's your motto on life?

S.Pelt: Transition through life with a bold new approach....s.pelt

Where can the readers find your work?

S.Pelt: Www.sdotpdotdesigns.com

How can customers get in contact with you professionally and socially via social networks?

S.Pelt: Pretty much anything with @ in it @sdotpdotdesigns

Email: s.pelt@yahoo.com

Shouts Mizz Tuffy! Japanese bow mane!


 

Peep Shum TUFF ART!

Janelle Monae Q.U.E.E.N Lyrics

"Q.U.E.E.N."

(feat. Erykah Badu)

I cant believe I love the things they say about me

Walk in the room they throwing shade left to right

They be like ooh, she's so fun face

And I just tell em, cut me up, and get down

They call us dirty 'cuz we break all your rules down

And we just came to act a fool, is that all right (Girl, that's alright)

They be like Ooh, let them eat cake

But we eat wings and throw them bones on the ground

Am I a freak for dancing around? (queen)

Am I a freak for getting down? (queen)

I'm coming up, don't cut me down

Yeah I wanna be, wanna be

Is it peculiar that she twerk in the mirror?

And am I weird to dance alone late at night?

And is it true we're all insane?

And I just tell 'em No we ain't" and get down

I heard this life is just a play with no rehearsal

I wonder will this be my final act tonight

And tell me what's the price of fame?

Am I a sinner with my skirt on the ground?

Am I a freak for dancing around?

Am I a freak for getting down?

I'm coming up, don't cut me down

Yeah I wanna be

Hey brother can you save my soul from the devil?

Say is it weird to like the way she wear her tights?

And is it rude to wear my shades?

Am I a freak because I love watching Mary? (Maybe)

Hey sister am I good enough for your heaven?

Say will your God accept me in my black and white?

Will he approve the way I'm made?

Or should I reprogram the programming and get down?

Even if it makes others uncomfortable

I wanna love who I am

Even if it makes other uncomfortable

I will love who I am

Dance 'til the break of dawn

Don't mean a thing, so duh

I can't take it no more

Baby, we in tuxedo groove

Monae and E. Badu

Crazy in the black and white

We got the drums so tight

Baby, here comes the freedom song

Too strong we moving on

Baby there's melody

Show you another way

This joints for fight unknown

Come home and sing your song

But you gotta testify

Because the booty don't lie

No, no, the booty don't lie

Oh no, the booty don't lie

Yeah

Yeah, Let's flip it

I don't think they understand what I'm trying to say

I asked a question like this

"Are we a lost generation of our people?

Add us to equations but they'll never make us equal.

She who writes the movie owns the script and the sequel.

So why ain't the stealing of my rights made illegal?

They keep us underground working hard for the greedy,

But when it's time pay they turn around and call us needy.

My crown too heavy like the Queen Nefertiti

Gimme back my pyramid, I'm trying to free Kansas City.

Mixing masterminds like your name Bernie Grundman.

Well I'm gonna keep leading like a young Harriet Tubman

You can take my wings but I'm still goin' fly

And even when you edit me the booty don't lie

Yeah, keep singing and I'mma keep writing songs

I'm tired of Marvin asking me, "What's Going On?

March to the streets 'cuz I'm willing and I'm able

Categorize me, I defy every label

And while you're selling dope, we're gonna keep selling hope

We rising up now, you gotta deal you gotta cope

Will you be electric sheep?

Electric ladies, will you sleep?

Or will you preach?"

Cold War

To Make purposeful this Life, even in the Darkness I seek Light. In My soul, deep within I feel a great discomfort. As an artist I have a responsibility, not be selfish. To be aware and becoming aware more and more each day a great depression can take place. To turn around and face facts address the past and look at where you came from, who raised you, your traditions ect. I am so covered in junk, I feel gross, I feel, No hope-less. I cry, ready for the old me to die ten times over. I feel like quick sand is the ground beneath me. This world is black and white, day and night. ~Tuffy    

 

MZ MAY

                                 LAKEN LESHE HARDEN

 



The very beautiful "Mz May" b.k.a Laken Leshe gave us a brief run down of who she is. 

Bio:
Strong believer in faith!
Independent goal oriented. Excepting nothing less than success. Live
life to the fullest one day at a time. I believe that if you can
visualize it and include God, it will surely happen. I dream big!

Latest Jobs:
Lambo Music Group Upper Echelon Fashion Show - January 2013

Grind NationPromo Commercials - February 2012

Grind Nation Paradise Show - April 2013

Models and Bottles Part I Party Host presented by Mix Boy
Entertainment - April 2013

Alabama Fashion Alliance Model for Designer : Ellena LeJeune - Spring 2013


Favorite aspect:
Its an amazing feeling of relief. for me its a way of
self expression. Kind of like telling my story through my photos.

Least like?
The criticism but I just continue to be strong and accept
it and deal with it but remain motivated and stay focus.

Suprises?
Unforntunately y some not-so-good ones....Lets just say I
discovered some shady people early on in the industry from past
experiences.

Awkward moments?
I actually have not had any true awkward moments yet...lol

Fav mod?
I'd have to say myself of course...lol

How fashion empowered?
 I'd say the fashion is a way of showing who you
are like never ending art thats always repeats itself.

What I enjoy when not working?
Online shopping , reading , and most
importantly spending time with love ones ; family first!

Fav designer: CoCo Chanel

Fav part of body?
 I have a few ....lol my long legs, thighs, my lips,
and tattoos

Fav food? seafood and italian

Suggest a Model friend?
Penelope Morris

If I could change one past thing?
I would change letting negative
people remain in my life way longer than their expiration date ;
wasting my time in the wrong direction. But for evry setback I always
bounce back.

Hardest shoot?
I really have not had any too tough ones yet thankful lol

Future goals?
To be more than just a mere model. I want to be BEYOND
successful in the industry. I would like to be an inspiration for
other aspiring models tryna make it out here and empower others not
compete with others. Most importantly Id like to give back and take
care of my family. Be "the boss" !!!
Life motto: "WHO DARES WINS!"
"DO RIGHT AND KILL EVERYTHING"

Words of wisdom?
 First you have to ask yourself , where do you see
yourself in the future. Include God in it, pray for an ambitious
drive , work hard and stay on the right path. NO DETOURS!! NEVER
EVER QUIT!!! KEEP GOING!!!! WIN!!! Believe in yourself and "speak
it into existence!" Remember these 6 stages of how to unfold your
dream and vision...

1. Think it
2. Capture it
3. Hold on to it
4. Do it
5. Keep it
6. Teach it

"There is no success without a successor"

To book Laken: Email lakenleshe@gmail.com

Connect with her via:

Twitter : @lakenleshe

Instagram : @lakenleshe

Facebook : Laken LeShe Harden

 

BRANDED by @ggandgforever

Huntsville, Al is becoming increasingly reputaul for their underground culture of talent in all forms. I recently had the pleasure of doing a Q & A with "Good Girls & Gangsters" clothing line owners, S.L.A.S.H and Bently. Two legendary rap artist contributing to the ever lasting funk of hip-hop! The entrepreneurs took time out to tell me how good girls and gangsters ride, and  Brand me!

*Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from?

Slash: GG&G (which stands for Good Girls & Gangsters) was founded and is currently based in Huntsville where we both stay. I was born in Tuskegee and My dad's side of my family is from Huntsville so I have a lot of cousins/siblings here but my mother moved us to Florida when I was real young, like 5 or 6. I came back to HSV after I graduated high school to start at AAMU in 2002 and have been here ever since.

Bentley: Im from Florence, AL. Northside to be exact, its about an hour and a half away form Huntsville. I moved here to further my music career & get away from everything going on in Florence. Just over the past week down there its been drug busts, police stand offs, and multiple shootings and I didn't want to be a victim of my surroundings like all of my friends. I didn't see me doing anything positive with my life if I stayed there so one day I just drove up here dolo and found an apartment. It helped that I was into music and already on the Huntsville scene so the transition was real smooth.

*What's your educational background?

S: I went to A&M briefly for a couple years. My major was fashion merchandising but I left to pursue entrepreneurial things.

B: I graduated from Florence High with an advanced diploma but didn't get to walk (thats a whole nother interview lol). After that I studied Commercial Music but it wasn't really challenging and at the time I already had the job my professor wanted so I felt it was nothing he could teach me & eventually changed to my current major in Criminal Justice.

*What are your general professional and non-professional interests?

B: Art has always been my biggest interest. The only thing I ever wanted to be other than an artist was an astronaut. I must have been 7 or 8 but I wanted to be the first Black Astronaut, I had no idea who Robert Lawrence Jr was at the time. Im also into Black history, I think it gets lost in the mix nowadays. In high school I complained in my History class until we noted a Black history fact everyday for February. Other than that, I love guns..Real big guns lol.

S: Music is probably my biggest interest but being an entrepreneur is probably what im the most active in right now. I like to do creative things so anything can be an outlet. Right now my creativity goes into coming up with new ways to market or promote. As weird as it may be, that's really my hobby and what excites me.

*What does fashion mean to you?

S: To me its just wearing what feels right or true to you, not necessarily whats trendy. I like fashion that makes a statement. Doesn't matter what the statement is, just as long as it reflects the wearer and the brand making it.

B: Fashion to me explains how you really feel. You can almost know what someone is going through by how they dress. If I'm feeling real good then your gonna know because Im gonna have a lot colors going on or Im matching everything just right, but when I don't feel like being bothered I will be wearing my hoody or something old.

*How would you define your city's fashion?

S: A melting pot. Huntsville attracts people from all over the country and world due to the military base and several colleges so people bring their styles from their own city and still wear it here but they pick up things from other people so it all blends together. There aren't a lot of stores with variety here in the city so the variety comes from the actual people. Three guys about the same size and height may buy the exact same shirt and one guy will wear a medium and some leopard pants with some yeezy's, one guy will wear a large and put it with some camo shorts and the last guy will wear a 2XL and put it with some 501s. Each person makes it their own. That's huntsville's fashion from what I see.

B: Everything that Slash said is exactly true but to add to that, It all depends on what demographic you are around. The college kids, successful 25-35s, and d boys all do their own thing.


*When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?

S: I've been drawing since I was 4 or 5 but I started drawing sketches for my own imaginary sneaker label in middle school. Through most of high school I kept two thick portfolios of clothing sketches in my bookbag. Someone stole one of them the last day of school my junior year of high school. I was pissed. I actually fell back from drawing then because I was so mad and I started getting heavier into rapping, which I had also been doing just for fun in the lunchroom or before classes, etc. That was when i first started actually keeping a rhyme book and went to a studio.

B: I didn't realize it until after it happened. My phone juuggin all day anyway, so when somebody calling me for a shirt it was just another juug.It didn't hit me until I started seeing people really talking about GG&G and we gained the attention from all of the other brands in the city because we came up so fast. I couldn't believe what we created from inside of our living room.


*What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

S: Tennis shoes/sneakers. At first i used to trace those thugged out Bugs Bunny and Taz pictures from back in the day but then I would draw in my own shoes. Then i just started drawing shoes by themselves.

B: It was shoes for me too. Back in the early 2000s I used to put bandannas on everything. I had bandanna visors, air force 1s, dickies, you name it. If i could have put a bandanna rag top on my Caprice I would have did it, lol.

*Who are some of your favorite designers?

S: Im honestly more into men's clothes than women's if that makes any sense. I would rather look at a well dressed man or a fly guy but I cant say that I'm attached to any one particular label or designer. I just like dope pieces. Plus designers eventually get lazy and put their logo on everything simple instead of coming up with actual concepts for new designs. I'm not a fan of the "brands" themselves. I'm a fan of what they create.

B: I don't think Ive ever had a favorite designer. Only designer I buy over and over is Tinker Hatfield but I own pieces from everybody. I am into collections tho. Like, the BloodBath "Crack" collection is super dope. I Wish I would have though of it!!

*What do you like best about designing clothes?

B: It may sound shallow but hear me out, I enjoy killing other designers lol. I use to have a bubble Caprice with a gucci top, tvs in the windows, Lexanis, train horns, it was decked out. If you pulled up to me in a Caprice and it wasn't up to par, I know it and you know it lol. I think the car culture mentality for me, translated into the fashion. Even when I didn't design clothes I would put outfits together to try & kill everybody. I don't necessarily compete with other designers tho. Everybody is dope in their own right. I like Diamond Supply and buy a lot of it but I would never make a shirt with a diamond on it like "Hey Nicky Diamonds look at this" to me thats whack & being a biter. The best example is the Jordan 3 88s. A lot of brands made shirts for those shoes but we killed them all with our "Still Spendin" tee. Its all fun tho. Its just like rapping, I rap with a lot of talented people but we all are trying to be the best verse on the song. The other thing I like about designing our clothes is that it all makes sense to our brand. Whether it be a single piece like "Still Spendin" or something like our "Jack Boys" Collection, it all makes sense to what we stand for at Good Girls & Gangsters and carries that overall theme.

S: The reaction from people when they see it. Especially if they get the meaning. Sometimes our pieces only connect with a niche group of people but when they get it, they love it even more. It's conversational.

*How would you define your personal style?

S: Today...I probably don't even have any, lol. I dress for comfort now more than anything. I still like certain sneakers and i'll get those but im just not one of those "swag on full" kinda people. I love creating it and appreciate how people rock certain things but I wouldnt try to do it myself. I keep it pretty classic. Shirts with small or no logos. Some basic jeans or leggings and some sneakers for most days. When I do dress up, I clean up pretty nice though. An occasional skirt or dress creeps into my wardrobe every 6 mos or so.

B: Its all on how I'm feeling that day. If Im stepping out I try to come correct but on a normal Im just wearing some 501s & a tee with some dope sneakers.


*How would you define the style your line exemplifies?

S: This might be long but I like intelligent hood niggas, lol. And I know a lot of smart, college educated, independent, corporate job-having women are attracted to the same thing. It's always something cool that happens when that hood guy finds out that good girl has some hood characteristics and she finds out that he's more intelligent than society would have you believe he is. Sometimes that connection doesn't work out well but when it does, they can use both of their strengths together to accomplish a lot. Jay-Z and Beyonce for example. He's obviously very intellectual despite rapping about coke prices and such, while Bey makes sure to keep it classy for the most part but she clearly has a love for Popeye's and UGK like most people in the hood. So, to me, our line represents that balance. Our designs require thought, but they're still dope. They're fresh and new but not so outrageous that you have to sacrifice your manhood to be trendy. You don't have to wear zebra print and man jeggings or skirts to be stylish. You can still be a man. And as we expand into women's clothing this summer, I want it to represent women that are smart enough to excel professionally but still in touch with their "urban" side. She may leave work on the arsenal but on the way home she's blasting "Gin & Juice" and rapping along all the lyrics. And she likes guys that can hold a conversation about current events but know who to call for a 42" flat screen TV with no box for $200, lol. She's a hustler as well, in her own way.

B: What she said lol. Its just comfortable clothes that can reach a lot of age groups. Its some brands I see that cool but I would never wear them because its not my age group. Like slash said earlier, Some of our pieces have niche markets & when people identify with it, it becomes more than an article of clothing to them.

*What are some of your fashion goals?

S: My main goal is to help shape Huntsville and North Alabama as a whole with its own identifiable culture. It's not just about fashion. There are certain things about the city that make it special but they aren't recognized or bigger cities steal it and become known for it because they are more popular. We have a lot of urban musical talent that goes unnoticed. We also have a lot of chefs or aspiring chefs that could have big restaurants with signature dishes but they "sling plates" because that's where they have to start and no one is willing to invest in them. I'd like to make enough money to invest in the culture of Huntsville. But I dont have the time to let money be an excuse for waiting to make an impact. Coming later this year, I plan on expanding our website to do local restaurant reviews and feature even more local music artists than we have before. Fashion wise, we just want to keep improving our quality to make things that much more impressive. Attention to detail. Things like custom tags with little messages and better packaging. Hopefully we can make some more accessories to make our brand stand out. We have a clothing line but our brand is about culture.

B: My only fashion goal is to continue having fun making clothes & maintain ownership of our products and ideas.

*Where do you get your inspiration?

S: My beliefs. Music. The city. Tweetwatching, lol.

B: Being around loved ones just joking around. Im a firm believer to act out on any joke or conversation that lasts longer than 10 minutes because that mean you might have something.

*Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

www.goodgirlsandgangsters.com for everything culture related and shop.goodgirlsandgangsters.com to invest with us.

www.goodgirlsandgangsters.com

facebook.com/goodgirlsandgangsters

twitter.com/ggandgforever

instagram.com/goodgirlsandgangsters