and on my entertainment blog  http://thepurplejournal.com

I’ll be back, I promise

The hardest thing for me is to pinpoint my “talent”, I am drawn to talented people and so am surrounded by them constantly, but I couldn’t say what My Talent is. What am I good at? Over the last few months, I realized that I make an awesome temp. : all the companies I have been placed with like me and request me. But what does that mean?

I’m trying to figure out, what is my brand? How do I sell myself to the world? The image that comes to my head is those cut out paper “dolls” that used to come with little pieces of outfits that you would glue on to the bare doll. What outfit do I wear? What is best for me? Every couple of months I am no longer satisfied with where I am in my career, I plateau on these stepping stones quickly. I need more, I need to learn something new. Now, actually, I need to DO something new. I feel like I am operating below my potential and need to be challenged.

My goal for this month, September 2009: Develop a brand identity

So much is going on it just feels like the time for change. I started with something that is in my control…my hair. The rest will come.

Here it is:

Missing my “dream girls”  (as it has been called) hair. I shouldn’t be allowed around scissors. Not loving it yet, but it will get better.

That’s my “not sure but i’m trying to smile” face.

Now it’s clear why BLACK people can’t get respect and why TORONTO “RAPPERS” can not succeed.

I used to say “Oh, it’s because there is no real infrastructure for an entertainment industry in Canada” which could still be true. But people out there who are from this city are trying to make something of their home. (Not me, I’m from St. Andrew) I never really agreed with that because I don’t see it happening with the calibre (may be wrong choice of a word) of people, what it really is, is a sense of business that is lacking.

Everybody think they can just do this. Self-made success doesn’t exist, every GREAT has a strong team. This weird over confidence in your mind is idiotic (tonight I’m talking AT quote on quote rappers and men, I will make many generalizations but I really don’t care, prove you’re not what I say).

So what am I ranting about? The shooting at this event:

Personally I’m against gun violence. I’m not naive though, I know when you grow up around a certain thing, the chances are you will be exposed to it. THIS is not even my issue. My issue is with what this event was supposed to be. You fools are supposed to be promoting your “rap careers” and raising money for a good cause (I don’t even know where the money is going, funny enough they did not say which Aids Research Organization these funds were supposed to be going to, kind of suspect). Let’s just say it was for AIDs research. I digress, what I’m trying to say is YOU GUYS ARE NOT SERIOUS! It’s ridiculous, you are a nobody (I don’t know who did what and I’m glad I saw nothing and don’t know anybody in that group that was “BEEFING”). Like I was saying, I don’t know you but I know you are a NOBODY. So logic would say if I’m a nobody rapper and I want to get my name out there and someone puts together and event for me to showcase myself, I would behave myself.

I’m female, so i don’t understand the male psyche but some things I see fights start for are so stupid. I don’t care if you guys pop off down the street, in your house, wherever as long as it’s not near me or anybody I care about. In a fairytale world there would be no guns and we would all like each other blah blah blah. Since we live in this messed up world where people are losing their lives to disease and sorrow and retards who are mad because someone stepped on their shoes or hurt their fragile ego or tell them they suck, I’m saying as long as it’s not near me I’m good.

Back to the point Toronto “rappers” will never enjoy success. Last year I met a producer from the states that said “Toronto rappers are the laziest”. At the time, I had no idea what he meant. I was thinking it can’t be that bad. BUT IT IS. And I said it 2 years ago about hip-hop/the music industry in general/worldwide that everyone is jumping on the band wagon because they think it’s all making music videos with vixens, drinking at clubs, buying cars and blinging!

TORONTO “RAPPERS” are not hungry, they don’t want to work, they’re doing it for the wrong reasons, they don’t love music. I get it now.

I’ve wasted enough time on this foolishness. I’m out.

Walking in my neighbourhood Friday night and this guy gives me a notice. Turns out he was from a film company and the notice was about the use of the streets in my ‘hood Saturday June 27. I read it then ask him who the video was for and he told me Nelly Furtado…

OK let me just say, BIG Nelly Furtado fan. When I went to school in London ON, her album Loose kept me sane on my 2hr drive between London and the GTA. I was just saying to my new friend Melinda, who I met at an assignment this week, that if there was any artist I would want to be friends with it would be her because from what I’ve seen of her in interviews, she seems down to earth and level headed. So the fact that she was gonna be steps away from my place was just incredible.

So I went home and called Melinda and she was as excited as I was and she planned to come by on Saturday so we could catch our glimpse of Nelly. We then tried to figure out what song she was doing the video for. I knew exactly where to look to find out; days earlier I had seen a tweet on Twitter by Perez Hilton, who I must say I am guilty of following, with a link for the preview of her new song. So I went back to it, followed the link and listened to the preview on his website. The song is Manos Al Aire off her upcoming spanish language album. So I thought Great! Found the song, like it, but no idea what she’s saying.

Woke up on Saturday kind of late, was exhausted from the work week. I hear nothing, so I’m thinking production hasn’t started yet. This is around 11AM, laid in bed for a while longer then decided to take a walk to see if they were on one of the other roads listed on the notice. YUP!! She was there… I immediately text messaged Melinda to come over now. Then I got on twitter and started giving the play by play (click the link).

There was a small audience, I realized I forgot my camera. I ran home and got it. Came back started taking pictures and short video clips of Nelly. This is how I spent my Saturday June 27, 2009. Melinda and I took short breaks and went back to my house to get out of the sun.

I must say Nelly is a trooper. They had her in the Sun all day. Melinda and I were exhausted from being in the Sun and we weren’t even working…so I can imagine how tired her and the crew were. The shoot lasted until 10:30 PM when Nelly got driven away in a black Hummer.

Update: The official video

Date: June 20, 2009

Venue: Good Times Night Spot

Laura and I ended up working the door. Thinking I should get a part time job as a cashier/door person/promo girl at a night club. At the last 3 events I’ve worked…it has been at the door (Lou Lou Magzine event at This Is London, The Beat Cares for Kids at the Chic Chinoise and now Feel The Vibes at Good Times). Will be adding this to my resume ASAP.

I enjoyed myself. The party was great for an inaugural event, the Living Proof team and Mayne Ishu will be back to Good Times on July 11th. Mayne Ishu supporters came out in groups. There was a lot of beautiful ladies much to the appreciation of the men in attendance.

King D, Ishu’s producer, was the MC of the night. DJ Matrix played a good variety of songs. I was feeling the music  the whole night.

Mayne Ishu’s performance was near the end. There was mic difficulties, which didn’t even take away from his performance because everyone knew the words and his energy was crazy. I was truly impressed with him: he entertained all the guests and was networking the whole time. Lvproof had a new business venture by the end of the night. Mayne Ishu’s grind is very inspiring.

Venue: Revival (783 College Street W)

Date: June 9, 2009 at 7PM

Nikki Clarke and I were invited to the album release party for The Rebirth of, Gary Beals’ new album. He is an awesome performer, the strength in his voice is amazing.

Great night, wish it was longer.

Snippets of  two of his performances .

Date: June 5, 2009

Venue: Chic Chinoise, 214 King Street West

Description:

 The Beat Cares for Kids is a fundraiser to raise money for  e-tv broadcast And The Beat Goes On and the Sick Kids Foundation. And The Beat Goes on provides an arena for Canadian musicians and entreprenuers to talk candidly about their careers and lives. Nikki Clarke, founder/host/producer of the show, produced the event the best way she knows how: bringing great performers together. 50% OF THE PROCEEDS GO TO SICK KIDS FOUNDATION!

HOSTED BY NIX, and COMEDIANS MELVA AND HARDEEPA!!!

Performances by:

IMAAN FAITH
PETRA THE EMPRESS
ARIA MUZIK
MR FLOWAS
LINDA LUZTONO
JASON DINETZ
DT

SPONSORED BY:

UNSIGNED HYPE
EVENT TO BE PROMOTIONS
CHIC CHINOISE
IBFRANK
QRYPTONIK RECORDS
FLUXXMEDIA GROUP
THAT MEDIA CORP.
89 GRAPHICS
CMA ENTERTAINMENT
HIYAH FIYAH WITH KING JUSTUS
NIKKI CLARKE INC.
BEAD 4 HEALTH
SOLROC ENTERTAINMENT
TO PORTFOLIO, OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER

 The event was a success, the performers were great and it was my pleasure helping out Nikki for the cause.

. . .And The Beat Goes On

The team is keeping Ishu busy with production, media interviews, and performance events. The first event in the summer line-up is Feel The Vibes at Good Times Night Spot on June 20 2009, a Living Proof Enterprises exclusive event. Fans can expect an intimate party where they can come with friends, have a drink and interact with Mayne Ishu between performances. “It’s at a great lounge, but once I get on stage the energy will rise and people won’t want to sit down,” Mayne Ishu says about the venue. Supporters can get advanced tickets for the event by contacting a member of Living Proof Enterprises.

Save the date for other upcoming performances by Mayne Ishu scheduled for June 27, July 1, and July 11.

Feel The Vibes | June 20, 2009

The song draws from the familiar story of recording artist juggling career and girlfriend, with a Mayne Ishu twist of course. Mayne Ishu and Cheyenne take us through the journey: He’s always busy when she calls so he ignores her calls. She’s at home knowing that he’s often around beautiful women as a part of his job. She doesn’t like it but she understands and supports him. All he can do to ease her fears is tell her “Don’t Worry” because at the end of the day, he’s coming home to her.

The single is available for your listening pleasure on www.lvproof.com and www.myspace.com/mayneishuo nline. Stay tuned, this joint could bring you a HOT video.

Mayne Ishu ft. Cheyenne Harris - Don't Worry

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About Mayne Ishu | www.myspace.com/mayneishuonline

About Living Proof Enterprises | www.lvproof.com